SPONSOR: Reedy
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 16 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative Oversight by a vote of 11 to 0.
This bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to acquire by purchase or gift the Antioch Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri, to be operated and maintained by the Division of State Parks.
The bill requires the Department to allow for burials to continue until all plots have been purchased. The Department can charge no more than $100 per burial to be credited to the newly created "Antioch Cemetery Fund". The Department is not liable for the costs associated with the burial.
This bill is similar to HB 1556 (2020).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that cemetery on just under five acres in Clinton, Missouri, is of great historical value to the community and should be preserved. This bill would allow the Department to acquire and preserve the historical value of the property.
Testifying for the bill was Representative Reedy.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill said that the Department is approached regularly about different properties with historical or cultural significance. The Department must look at each piece of property to determine the historical or cultural significance, as well as the cost of maintenance, up keep, and renovations necessary to make it available to the general public.
Testifying on the bill was the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Statutes affected: