Modifies jurisdiction over certain Missouri land

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bennie Cook

The bill repeals Missouri's concurrent jurisdiction over Ozark National Scenic Riverways and related lands, returning control to the state.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#naturalresources #departmentof #parksandrecreation

Overview

HB 3081 would repeal Missouri’s current statute that cedes concurrent state and federal jurisdiction over certain Missouri land to the United States, and would reframe the jurisdictional arrangement for that land. The bill targets land connected to federal sites and designated scenic areas and clarifies that the state would no longer cede concurrent jurisdiction in those specific areas.

Main purpose and intent

To repeal the existing statutory provision that grants concurrent Missouri-federal jurisdiction over certain lands, specifically land associated with the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

To remove Missouri’s cession of concurrent jurisdiction to the United States for the specified areas, thereby preserving state jurisdiction absent federal authorization or new agreement.

Key provisions and changes

Repeals Section 12.025, RSMo, and enacts a new Section 12.025 with modified language.

The prior provision granted concurrent jurisdiction to the United States for:

Land currently or formerly used by the United States as an honor farm in connection with a federal penitentiary operation (as long as the United States owns and uses the land).
The area comprising the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (as long as the area is administered and maintained by the United States).
A proviso excluding application to the White River watershed.
A proviso excluding application to the Osage and St. Francois River watersheds.

The bill would remove or repeal these concurrent-jurisdiction provisions, reverting or clarifying jurisdictional status to the state for the affected areas.

Who or what would be affected

Lands currently covered by Section 12.025, including:

Ozark National Scenic Riverways lands (and possibly related riverway areas) under federal administration.
Any federal land used as an honor farm connected to a penitentiary operation (where the United States owns and uses the land).
Areas within White River, Osage River, and St. Francois River watershed provisions currently subject to concurrent jurisdiction.

The change primarily affects land governance, law enforcement authority, and regulatory oversight for those areas, potentially shifting more control to the State of Missouri unless other federal agreements remain in place.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Sponsor: Representative Bennie Cook (co-sponsor listed).

Action history:

Introduced: January 22, 2026
Read Second Time: January 27, 2026
Referred to Emerging Issues (House) for consideration: May 15, 2026

The bill would become effective upon passage and signing, with any transition of jurisdiction occurring according to enacted language and any related administrative arrangements.

Potential implications

Jurisdictional shift could affect law enforcement authority, regulatory oversight, and management of the Ozark Scenic Riverways and related lands.

Changes could influence coordination between Missouri state authorities and federal agencies that administer or maintain the said lands.

The bill creates a statutory framework that redefines which entity has concurrent jurisdiction, potentially necessitating new intergovernmental agreements if federal involvement continues in any form.