SCS/SBs 597 & 604 - This act specifies that no private entity, which is defined as a utility company that does not provide service to end-use customers or provide retail service in Missouri, or does not collect its costs to provide service under a regional transmission organization tariff, regardless of whether it has received a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission, shall have the power of eminent domain for the purpose of constructing above-ground merchant lines, as such term is defined in the act. The provisions of the act shall not apply to rural electric cooperatives and certain other corporations operating on a cooperative basis. This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 2033 (2020) and to a provision contained in CCS/HCS/SS/SB 618 (2020), and is similar to a provision contained in HCS/HB 1992 (2020), HCS/HB 2094 (2020), HB 1877 (2020) and SCS/HB 1062 (2019). JAMIE ANDREWS