Bill > SB954

This bill modifies existing Missouri law regarding the condemnation of land by certain utility corporations, which is the legal process by which a government or authorized entity can take private property for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell, in exchange for just compensation. The bill clarifies that utilities like electric, gas, and pipeline companies can condemn land when they cannot agree with the owner on compensation, or if the owner is unable to contract, unknown, or a non-resident. It specifies that these corporations can condemn property for various infrastructure needs, including powerhouses, substations, and pipelines. A key provision prevents a public utility or rural electric cooperative from condemning property currently used by another utility provider for the same or a substantially similar purpose, unless it's for a non-exclusive easement that won't materially interfere with the existing use or future expansion. The bill also clarifies that electrical corporations cannot condemn property for certain types of wind or solar energy generation facilities, but they can condemn property for the necessary collection and distribution lines to connect these renewable energy facilities to the grid.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=82