WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2905

Creates and modifies provisions relating to federally managed lands within the borders of the state

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Don Mayhew

Missouri would require state consent and hearings for federal land actions, assert state control over resources, and funnel most related revenues to state and local projects.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#federal-staterelations #parksandrecreation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2905

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2905 (2026) proposes a comprehensive framework to assert state control over federally managed lands within Missouri’s borders. Titled the Natural Resources and Community Protection Act, the measure imposes conditions on federal land acquisition and regulation, strengthens state enforcement authority, creates a dispute-resolution mechanism, and establishes funding and governance provisions intended to redirect a portion of federal activity revenues to the state and local communities.

Main purpose and intent

  • To limit and condition federal management of lands within Missouri, ensuring state consent, consultation with affected communities, and alignment with state law.
  • To assert state sovereignty over natural resources, water use, wildlife, mining, and related activities on federally managed lands.
  • To create a formal process for resolving conflicts between federal agencies and Missouri authorities before new federal regulations or enforcement actions take effect.
  • To ensure public access to waterways and address potential economic impacts of federal land ownership on local communities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Name and scope:
    • Enacts the “Natural Resource and Community Protection Act” applicable to all federally managed lands within Missouri, with constitutional exclusions.
  • Land acquisition and regulations:
    • Federal acquisition of land or imposition of new regulations on federally managed lands may only occur if the Missouri General Assembly gives express consent and the proposing agency conducts at least two public hearings in the county seats of affected counties, with hearing(s) at least 30 days apart.
    • Federal regulations conflicting with Missouri natural resource laws are unenforceable unless Congress explicitly authorizes them.
  • Enforcement and authority:
    • State and local law enforcement have primary authority in areas of concurrent jurisdiction for natural resources.
    • Federal enforcement actions in Missouri must be coordinated with state/local law enforcement, receive prior written approval (except emergencies), and, on state roads, be conducted by a certified peace officer.
    • Federal officers cannot issue citations, arrest, or enforce minor nonfederal infractions unless coordinated with state/local law enforcement and they hold peace officer certification.
    • Violations by federal officers are unlawful and subject to penalties.
    • Federal authorities may not impound vehicles, seize animals, or confiscate property without state/county approval or a court order; seized property must be returned, with potential penalties and damages.
  • Revenue sharing and use:
    • Revenues from activities on federally managed lands (extraction, permits, fines) must be shared with Missouri: 70% to the state government, 30% to the federal government, with allocations to local projects, transportation improvements near federal land, and economic development infrastructure.
  • Water, wildlife, and minerals:
    • Missouri asserts control over surface and groundwater; federal agencies must obtain state permits for water use or activities affecting water quality.
    • Missouri retains exclusive wildlife jurisdiction; hunting/fishing/wildlife management on federally managed lands must comply with state laws.
    • Missouri asserts control over mineral rights beneath federally managed lands; federal mining/resource extraction requires state approval.
  • Dispute resolution:
    • Establishes a State-Federal Dispute Resolution Board to mediate conflicts, including DNR representatives, local government, legal experts, and legislative members (two House members and two Senate members).
    • Mediation is mandatory before any new federal regulations or enforcement actions affecting natural resources.
  • Public rivers and taxes:
    • All navigable rivers/streams remain publicly usable despite federal ownership of adjacent lands.
    • Missouri would impose an annual property tax on all federally managed lands; tax revenues would support local governments to offset economic impacts.
  • Legal recourse:
    • Residents or local governments harmed by violations may sue in state court for injunctive relief or damages; penalties against noncompliant federal agencies include ceasing the action and civil penalties, with potential damages determined by a court.

Who/what would be affected

  • Federal agencies and officers operating within Missouri’s borders, including land acquisition, enforcement actions, and resource extraction activities.
  • State and local law enforcement agencies, which would assume primary enforcement authority in areas of concurrent jurisdiction.
  • Missouri residents, local governments, and communities near federally managed lands, who could benefit from revenue allocations and improved local infrastructure.
  • Landowners and users of Missouri waterways, wildlife areas, minerals, and water resources, who would be subject to new state-permitting and regulatory requirements.
  • The State of Missouri’s governance structures, including the proposed State-Federal Dispute Resolution Board.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced in the 2026 session, referred to Emerging Issues (H) after initial readings; readings occurred January 12-13, 2026.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • The act would repeal and replace existing Missouri provisions related to federal land jurisdiction (Section 12.025), including potential changes to areas like the Ozark Scenic Riverways and other federal lands.
  • Enforcement and compliance:
    • Requires pre-emptive steps (permits, memoranda of understanding) and mandating mediation before federal regulatory actions.
    • Sets forth penalty and remedy structures for violations, including potential court-ordered damages and restoration of seized property.

Note: The bill reflects a stringent assertion of state control over federally managed lands and could significantly alter federal-state interactions on land management, enforcement, and revenue sharing in Missouri.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.