The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 442.055 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that mandates property disclosures regarding contamination with radioactive or hazardous materials. Under the new provisions, owners, sellers, landlords, or other transferors must disclose in writing to prospective lessees, purchasers, or transferees if the premises is or was previously contaminated, provided they have knowledge of such contamination. Failure to disclose this information, when the party had knowledge, will result in a class A misdemeanor. The definition of "knowledge" is clarified to include written or electronic communication from a government agency regarding contamination. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for property owners in the event of contamination. If an owner, seller, landlord, or transferor fails to disclose known contamination, the lessee has the right to terminate the lease at no cost. Furthermore, if a government agency requests access to test for contamination, the property owner must inform current or prospective occupants of this request. Lastly, the bill mandates that government agencies notify current residents within thirty days if they become aware of contamination on residential properties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4411H.01): 442.055