Bill would exempt sensitive-species location and ownership data from disclosure

House Bill 1063 would add an exemption to the Sunshine Law for records that show locations, boundaries or ownership of properties where Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has identified species of conservation concern or sensitive natural communities.

Representative Bruce Sasseman, sponsor of the bill, said the language was provided by MDC. "The passage of this bill would exempt records showing boundaries and ownership of properties where species of conservation concern and natural communities are located and administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation," he said, describing the risk that disclosure could enable illegal collection or trafficking of rare plants and animals.

Aaron Jeffries, deputy director for the Missouri Department of Conservation, said MDC keeps inventories for more than 800 species of conservation concern and frequently conducts research on private land under landowner permission. He told the committee the exemption was intended to protect private property rights and the safety of vulnerable populations, citing examples such as the Ozark hellbender salamander and illegal wildlife trade.

Opponents raised concerns the bill’s language was vague and could hamper routine public access to property ownership or boundary data. Mike Jenner of the Missouri Press Association said the draft appeared broad and could prevent citizens from learning property-ownership information in areas where species of concern occur; he noted that county assessors and other record custodians could be affected.

Supporters pointed to similar laws in other states and to concerns that exact location data could jeopardize research and conservation. The committee heard testimony from MDC and other conservation groups and opponents from press and transparency advocates; the transcript shows no committee action recorded in the public hearing.