Bill > HJR43

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the Missouri Conservation Commission's structure, governance, and funding mechanisms. The amendment would change the commission's composition by allowing the law to determine the number of members, requiring that no more than half be from the same political party, and mandating that members have knowledge of natural resources or wildlife conservation. Members would serve six-year staggered terms, with each member residing in a different congressional district. The resolution introduces new provisions for filling vacancies, including a process where remaining commissioners can select a new member from a list provided by the state legislature. The amendment also establishes ethics requirements, prohibiting commissioners from accepting gifts from entities doing business with the commission. Additionally, the resolution modifies the conservation sales and use tax, directing that 10% of revenues be allocated to state parks and 10% to local political subdivisions where conservation department land is located. The tax revenues would be used for conservation efforts, with new transparency and oversight mechanisms, including requiring legislative review of any real property sales or purchases by the conservation department. These changes aim to enhance the accountability, geographical representation, and financial management of Missouri's conservation efforts.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR43&year=2025&code=R