Repeals concurrent jurisdiction with the federal government over the "Ozark National Scenic Riverways".
Summary
SB 668 repeals the portion of Missouri law that ceded concurrent jurisdiction to the United States over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Under current law, Missouri shares jurisdiction with the federal government in that scenic riverways area so long as it is administered and maintained by the United States. The bill leaves intact the separate provision ceding concurrent jurisdiction over land used by the United States as an honor farm in connection with a federal penitentiary.
In practical terms, the bill would remove the statutory language that specifically recognizes federal-state concurrent jurisdiction over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. That would narrow section 12.025, RSMo, to apply only to the federal honor farm provision and eliminate the riverways-specific cession language, affecting the legal framework governing authority over that federal recreation area.
Impact
The bill would amend section 12.025, RSMo, by deleting the subsection that grants concurrent jurisdiction to the United States over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This would change Missouri’s statutory treatment of jurisdiction in that area, while preserving the existing cession of jurisdiction for federal honor farm land associated with a penitentiary. The primary affected parties are the state of Missouri, the federal government, and any agencies or users operating within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a targeted jurisdictional cleanup or policy reversal focused on federal land authority rather than a broad substantive policy change.
Contention
The main point of contention would likely be the allocation of authority between Missouri and the federal government over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Supporters may favor restoring or clarifying exclusive state jurisdiction, while opponents may prefer retaining concurrent jurisdiction to preserve federal management authority and consistency in administration of the scenic area. No specific individuals, agencies, or stakeholder positions are identified in the provided record.