Missouri will have to hold public hearings before buying large or expensive tracts of land under legislation heading to Gov. Eric Greitens.
Lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a bill would require public notices on websites, local newspapers and to all local elected officials before many state land purchases of at least 60 acres or $250,000. It also would require a public hearing in the county where the land is located.
The bill is a response to land deals made to expand the state parks system under the administration of former Gov. Jay Nixon. Many lawmakers expressed frustration that they were unaware of the plans in advance, and some suggested they were a misuse of state money.