Mo. eminent domain critics seek ballot measures

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Supporters of Missouri proposals to reform laws on the use eminent domain can begin working to get their measures on the 2014 state ballot.

The secretary of state's office says four initiatives have been approved for circulation, allowing backers to begin getting registered voters to sign petitions.

Backers must gather sufficient signatures from six of Missouri's eight congressional districts and deliver them to the secretary of state by early May 2014.

Groups seeking to curtail the use of eminent domain to take private property have proposed initiatives in recent years. However, those proposals have not qualified for the ballot.