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House Votes to Block New State Parks

A Cole Co. judge declared lawmakers' inability to pass tax credit legislation in the fall rendered a Missouri science investment bill unconstitutional.
David Shane
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A Cole Co. judge declared lawmakers' inability to pass tax credit legislation in the fall rendered a Missouri science investment bill unconstitutional.

The Missouri House passed House Bill 698 which blocks the creation of new state parks until the maintenance of existing parks is completed.

First introduced in January, HB 698 prohibits the Department of Natural Resources from “acquiring additional land to establish a state park until all existing parks and facilities are brought up to date and are in good working order.”

The Missouri Parks & Recreation Association (MPRA) is a non-profit dedicated to supporting parks and recreation across the state.

“When you prohibit something, “shall not”, to use the words of MPRA, it kind of hobbles the system to do its work,” said MPRA Executive Director Jan Neitzert.

Although the bill plans to halt expansion of Missouri Parks, it allows the Department of Natural Resources to accept additional land as a gift or donation. However, no work can be done to that land until other requirements of the bill are met. 

“The state parks system is known around the country as one of the very best,” said Neitzert. “Being able to develop our parks contributes to that honor.”

The bill would also require the Department to report annually to the General Assembly on the maintenance of state parks and historic sites.

The bill heads to the Senate with four weeks left in the legislative session.