SB 29 - This act extends the deadline by which the states of Missouri and Nebraska must adopt the Missouri-Nebraska Boundary Compact. Missouri adopted the compact in both 1990 and 1995 with language requiring that it be adopted by Nebraska by 1995 and 1997, respectively. This act extends that date to October 1999. Nebraska has not adopted the compact.

The act revises the description of the boundary between Missouri and Nebraska. The boundary line between the states will be the center of the main channel of the Missouri River, with the exception of McKissick's Island. This piece of land is on the Missouri side of the current river channel and was determined to be Nebraska land in a past U.S. Supreme Court decision. The states shall negotiate when changes in the river channel affect the boundary. The goal of such negotiations shall be to maintain the boundary in the Missouri River.

The changes in this compact shall not affect any pending litigation concerning the lands in question, nor shall title to the lands be affected. The compromise boundary between the states shall not affect the riparian rights of landowners along the river. The compact is effective when approved by both states and by the U.S. Congress, but it must be approved by the two states by October 1, 1999.

MIKE HOEFERKAMP