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June 16, 2023Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MO Supreme Court rules lawmakers overstepped authority

gavel

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Supreme Court ruled this week that lawmakers overstepped their authority by attempting to limit the use of dedicated funds by the Missouri Conservation Commission.

In a 4-3 split decision, the court determined that appropriation bills cannot bar the commission from spending money on land acquisition or payments in lieu of taxes.

The majority upheld a previous decision, emphasizing that the General Assembly cannot interfere with the commission's constitutional purposes.

The case, which has been closely watched, will have implications for the powers of the General Assembly over other state departments.

A pending decision on the spending authority of the Highways and Transportation Commission is also awaited. The ruling underscores the intent to limit legislative power and ensure proper management of conservation needs in Missouri.