As part of an ongoing effort to protect taxpayers in the state, the Legislature has given final approval to Senate Bill 851, a bill requiring additional notice to the public before local governments can vote on tax increases, eminent domain, or certain districts and projects receiving public funding.
Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, said the bill is a simple, but important step that makes sure the public has knowledge and access of public meetings.
“Too often Missourians are the last to know about major decisions that have been made that affect their pocketbook or property,” said Sen. Shields. “By simply requiring public notices to be made four days in advance rather than just 24-hours in advance, citizens will have a better opportunity to participate and share their voices on these important decisions made at the local level.”
Current law requires local governing bodies to only give 24-hours notice before voting on issues regarding eminent domain and tax increases. Senate Bill 851 would require at least four days notice before an entity votes on an issue regarding a tax increase, eminent domain, certain types of improvement or development districts, or tax increment financing. In addition, each public meeting would have to include time for public comment.
The bill had bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. Twenty-six senators from both parties signed on to co-sponsor the legislation.
Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, sponsored the measure. He says it addresses an issue of fundamental fairness.
“While most taxing jurisdictions do the right thing, this legislation ensures that taxpayers have adequate information when local government is seeking to raise our taxes or take our homes,” said Sen. Schmitt. “It also ensures that taxpayers in local communities can have true, fair, and open discussion before a vote is made in these critical areas.”
Senate Bill 851 now moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.
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