Bill > HB2297

This bill allows real property owners, or contractors they hire, to enter an adjoining property up to ten feet from the property line for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, or repairing a division fence, which is a fence that separates two properties, particularly when enclosing fields for animals. This entry is permitted without the owner or contractor being considered a trespasser, as long as they do not go beyond the ten-foot limit. However, they are responsible for any damages caused by their entry, including to crops, but are not liable for removing trees, brush, or vegetation that are directly on the property boundary line and obstruct the fence construction. This provision does not apply to adjoining properties owned by utility companies, railroads, zoological parks, wildlife conservation facilities, or accredited animal sanctuaries, nor does it permit entry into buildings on the adjacent property. Additionally, the owner of the adjoining property generally has no duty to warn those entering for fence work about any conditions or property on their land.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2297&year=2026&code=R