HCS HB 640 -- UNIVERSITY PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

SPONSOR:  Farnen (Campbell)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Higher
Education by a vote of 14 to 2.

This bill prohibits state-supported colleges and universities
from purchasing, receiving, or using the power of eminent domain
to obtain noncommercial or nonagricultural property or real
estate unless at least one public hearing is held in the local
area.  Notice of a hearing must be provided by first class mail
to owners whose property is to be purchased or received and
immediately adjacent property owners, or a hearing notice must
be published in a local newspaper for 3 weeks prior to the
hearing.  State-supported colleges and universities may exercise
purchase options on property prior to a public notice being
given.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of Unknown in FY
2000, FY 2001, and FY 2002.  Cost is expected to be less than
$100,000 annually.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there needs to be statutory
protection for citizens against surprise property takings by
universities, such as that attempted by the University of
Missouri-Kansas City.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Campbell and
McLuckie; and 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the language in
the bill is too broad, thereby discouraging gifts and
contributions to colleges and universities.

Testifying against the bill was Southwest Missouri State
University.

Debra Cheshier, Senior Legislative Analyst

HB 640 -- University Property Transactions

Co-Sponsors:  Campbell, McLuckie

This bill prohibits state-supported colleges and universities
from purchasing, receiving, or using the power of eminent domain
to obtain noncommercial real estate unless at least 2 public
hearings are held in the local area.  Notice of a hearing must
be provided to affected property owners by first class mail and
be published in a local newspaper for 3 weeks prior to the
hearing.  If no local newspaper is available, notice of a
hearing must be posted at the county courthouse.