Reforming eminent domain laws in Missouri was the top priority for the Missouri Cattlemen's Association during the 2020 legislative session. The efforts of Representatives Greg Sharpe (R-4) and Jim Hansen (R-40) in that regard served as reasoning for the association to honor these two elected leaders with its 2020 Legislator of the Year awards. The awards were presented at the 53rd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention at Osage Beach.
"Eminent domain was always intended to be used as a last resort for critical needs and infrastructure to benefit the general public. It was never intended to be used as a way for private, for-profit companies to acquire cheap land," said MCA Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Jimmie Long. "Reps. Hansen and Sharpe stood for private property rights and fought relentlessly on behalf of Missouri landowners."
The legislation (HB 2033) to reform eminent domain laws was filed by Rep. Jim Hansen and became the first bill to pass the Missouri House of Representatives in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic stalled the legislation. Rep. Sharpe, a farmer himself, worked in the final days of session to create a land designation program to preserve family farms and private property in the state, according to Long.
"These two elected leaders fought for farm families and private property rights. They earned recognition from this association," said Long.
Hansen was first elected in 2012, making 2020 his final legislative session because of term limits. Rep. Sharpe was re-elected in 2020 for a second term in the Missouri House.
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle