HCS HB 250 -- USE OF PUBLIC LANDS

SPONSOR:  Pollock (Wilson, 119)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
State Parks and Waterways by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute specifies that no individual with lawful
authority will be denied access to any public land owned,
managed, or funded by the State of Missouri for the purpose of
riding horses or mules if the land is currently in use by the
state as land upon which horses and mules may be ridden, except
when conditions are unsuitable due to public safety concerns or
necessary maintenance.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will make sure trails
that currently permit horse riding will continue to do so in the
future.  The horsing industry brings about $9 million into the
state, and trail riders should not be discouraged from coming to
the state.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Wilson (119) and
McGhee; and Allison Shottenhaml, Mary Kay Church, Marylou Kinsey,
and Beth Stevenson, Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that many of the trails
that have been built in the state cannot support horse riding and
many areas are not compatible with horse riding.

Testifying against the bill were Andy Schnette, Midwest Fat Tire
Mountain Biking; and Missouri Bicycle Federation.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that trails are
designated for certain uses to maintain the safety of citizens
and to preserve the environment.  The bill could unintentionally
restrict future designation of trails.

Testifying on the bill were Department of Conservation; and
Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am