Bill > HB739

This bill modifies legal provisions concerning nuisance actions in specific home rule cities and cities not within a county, focusing on expanding property owners' and neighborhood organizations' rights to file lawsuits against properties deemed a nuisance. The bill allows property owners within 1,200 feet of a nuisance property to bring an action for damages and injunctive relief, and enables neighborhood organizations to file actions on behalf of property owners. Before filing a lawsuit, the party must send a written notice to the property owner and tenant, giving them 60 days to address the nuisance. The bill broadly defines "nuisance" to include code violations, property deterioration, abandoned items, and conditions that negatively impact neighboring property values or public welfare. The legislation also allows for potential attorney's fees and expenses to be awarded to the prevailing party and provides a streamlined, expedited court process for hearing such cases. Notably, the bill applies specifically to certain cities based on population size and county location, creating a targeted approach to nuisance regulation that gives local communities more tools to address problematic properties.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB739&year=2025&code=R