reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.617 - Drilling rigs, how marked — rig permits.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1985
256.617. Drilling rigs, how marked — rig permits. —
All permitted water well drillers shall see that all rigs used by them or their employees in the water well drilling are marked with legible identification numbers at all times. The identification number to be used on the rigs shall be the permit license number which appears on the driller's permit. The rules and regulations adopted by the division shall set out in detail the specific method and manner for marking the rigs. A separate permit shall be obtained for each rig operated by a permitted water well driller during permit year.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 6)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.620 - Certain wells exempted from regulation.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.620. Certain wells exempted from regulation. —
Except as provided in section 256.615, operational wells in existence on September 28, 1985, shall not be required to conform to the provisions of sections 256.600 to 256.640, or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto unless such wells or pump installations for such wells are determined to present a threat to groundwater.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 7, A.L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.621 - Surface water tracing, registration required — renewal — documentation required.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.621. Surface water tracing, registration required — renewal — documentation required. —
All persons engaged in groundwater or surface water tracing, for any purpose, shall register with the division. This registration shall be renewed annually. The registrant shall report in writing all proposed injections of tracers to the division prior to actual injection. Written and graphical documentation of traces shall be provided to the division within thirty days of completion of each trace. The division shall maintain records of all injections and traces reported and will provide this information to interested parties upon request at the cost of reproduction.
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(L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.623 - Fees — appeals process for disciplinary action.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.623. Fees — appeals process for disciplinary action. —
1. The board shall by rules and regulations establish reasonable and necessary fees for:
(1) Permits;
(2) Renewal of permits;
(3) Duplicate permits;
(4) Rig permits;
(5) Certification reports;
(6) Registration reports;
(7) Division publications (not to exceed the cost of publication and handling);
(8) Logging of wells;
(9) Examinations; and
(10) Late document submittals.
2. The fees shall be set at a level necessary to produce revenue which shall not substantially exceed the cost and expense of administering sections 256.600 to 256.640. The board shall also by rules and regulations set forth appeal processes for contractors subject to disciplinary action and shall set forth procedures by which any aggrieved party may bring a complaint to the division.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 8, A.L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.626 - Promulgation of rules and regulations — heat pump coolants, preference.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.626. Promulgation of rules and regulations — heat pump coolants, preference. —
1. The board shall adopt, amend, and promulgate in the manner provided by law, and enforce rules and regulations pertaining to the construction and abandonment of wells, and the permitting of operators and contractors under sections 256.600 to 256.640.
2. The board shall specify by rule and regulation the types of materials which may be used as a coolant in a heat pump well. Preference shall be given to those coolants which would present the least threat to groundwater if released into the environment. The board shall also specify by rule and regulation those coolants which shall not be used in heat pump wells due to their potentially harmful effects if released into the environment.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 9, A.L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.628 - Obligation to plug abandoned well, notification — information to be filed, form — inspection, injunction, penalty.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.628. Obligation to plug abandoned well, notification — information to be filed, form — inspection, injunction, penalty. —
1. A public water supplier subject to the provisions of chapter 640 which connects to any structure or location previously served by any well which is not that of another public water supplier shall notify the well owner of his obligation to plug any abandoned well pursuant to the requirements of sections 256.600 to 256.640. The public water supplier shall not connect any person to the public water system until the person submits information which identifies the location of wells and attests that:
(1) Known abandoned wells on the property have been plugged; or
(2) There are no known abandoned wells on the property; or
(3) Existing wells will remain in use and will be properly plugged when no longer used; or
(4) Any abandoned wells will be plugged within ninety days.
2. The public water supplier shall submit a copy of information so received to the division on forms provided by the division, along with sufficient information to enable the division to locate existing and abandoned wells. The division shall, within a reasonable time, inspect any well identified in subdivision (4) of subsection 1 of this section. If the division determines that an abandoned well has not been plugged, it shall order the owner to have it plugged by a permitted water well installation contractor within thirty days. The division shall immediately seek injunctive relief through the office of the prosecuting attorney of the county wherein the alleged violation occurred to enforce its order and shall notify the appropriate public water supplier who shall terminate water service to the property thirty days after receipt of notice if the well has not been plugged. Any person who fails to plug an abandoned well pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties specified in section 256.637.
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(L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.630 - Violations of the law, suspension, revocation — procedure, appeals.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1991
256.630. Violations of the law, suspension, revocation — procedure, appeals. —
1. If the division determines that the holder of any permit issued pursuant to sections 256.600 to 256.640 has violated any provision of sections 256.600 to 256.640, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the division shall reprimand, suspend, place any such permittee on probation or revoke a permit.
2. The division shall cause to have issued and served upon the permittee a written notice of the order or revocation issued under section 256.619 or this section, which notice shall include a copy of the order, shall specify the provision of sections 256.600 to 256.640, or the standard, rule or regulation, order or permit term or condition of which the permittee is alleged to be in violation and a statement of the manner in which the person is alleged to violate sections 256.600 to 256.640, or the standard, rule or regulation, order or permit term or condition. Service may be made upon any person within or without the state by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Any person against whom the division issues an order may appeal it by filing a petition with the board within thirty days. The appeal shall stay the enforcement of the order until a final determination is made.
3. After due consideration of the record, or upon default in appearance of the petitioner at any hearing of which he has been given notice by registered or certified mail, the board shall issue and enter such final order, or make such final determination as it deems appropriate under the circumstances. The board may sustain, reverse or modify the division's order or may make such other orders as it deems appropriate under the circumstances. It shall notify the petitioner or respondent thereof in writing by certified or registered mail.
4. Any affected person aggrieved by an action of the division may appeal to the board. At any public hearing all testimony taken before the board, or a hearing officer appointed by the board, shall be under oath and recorded stenographically. The transcript so recorded shall be made available to any person upon payment of a fee equal to the cost of reproduction. All final orders and determinations of the board or the division made pursuant to the provisions of sections 256.600 to 256.640 are subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of section 536.100. Any person who has exhausted all administrative remedies provided by chapter 536 and who is aggrieved by a final decision in a contested case, whether such decision is affirmative or negative in form, shall be entitled to judicial review in the form of a trial de novo in the circuit court of the county wherein the alleged impropriety occurred.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 10, A.L. 1991 S.B. 221)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.633 - Injunctions — attorney general to represent division.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1985
256.633. Injunctions — attorney general to represent division. —
The division may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctions or other appropriate relief to enforce the provisions of sections 256.600 to 256.640. The attorney general shall represent the division when requested to do so.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 11)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.635 - Audit of division — groundwater protection fund, purpose.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1997
256.635. Audit of division — groundwater protection fund, purpose. —
1. The state auditor shall audit the financial transactions of the division in connection with the administration of sections 256.600 to 256.640.
2. All money collected by the division under the provisions of sections 256.600 to 256.640 shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of a special fund hereby established to be known as the "Groundwater Protection Fund". Moneys in the fund shall be expended only for the purposes of administering sections 256.600 to 256.640. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080, any balance remaining in the fund at the end of an appropriation period shall not be transferred to general revenue, except that should there be a balance remaining in the fund at the end of an appropriation period exceeding one-half of the next year's projected operating budget for administration of sections 256.600 to 256.640, the amount exceeding one-half of the next year's projected budget shall be transferred to the general revenue fund.
3. Any balance in the water well drillers' fund on August 28, 1997, shall be transferred to the groundwater protection fund on that date, and following such transfer, the water well drillers' fund shall be abolished.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 12, A.L. 1997 S.B. 342)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.637 - Violations of law, civil and criminal penalties.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1997
256.637. Violations of law, civil and criminal penalties. —
1. Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of sections 256.600 to 256.640 is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
2. In the event of a continuing violation, each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
3. Any person who willfully obstructs, hinders or prevents agents of the division in the performance of the duties imposed on them by sections 256.600 to 256.640 is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
4. Any well owner who knowingly causes or permits a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition to exist which could cause deterioration of groundwater quality in the system, even in a local area, shall forfeit his right to an approved, certified well. He shall also be liable to legal action by the state and any neighboring well owners should the condition endanger the groundwater in surrounding areas. If the division finds that such conditions exist, it shall order the well owner to plug the well.
5. Upon receipt of a complaint filed with the division alleging that any provision of sections 256.600 to 256.640, or any standard, rule or regulation promulgated thereto was violated, the division may institute a civil action in the jurisdiction where the well is located for injunctive relief through the office of the prosecuting attorney of the county wherein the alleged violation occurred to prevent such violation or further violation, or for the assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars per day for each day, or part thereof, the violation occurred and continued to occur, or both, as the court deems proper. For the purpose of this section, the filing of a well registration or certification form containing false information shall constitute a violation for each day after notification that such form is on file with the division. Any moneys paid in civil penalties shall be deposited in the groundwater protection fund.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 13, A.L. 1991 S.B. 221, A.L. 1997 S.B. 342)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.640 - Rules, procedure.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1995
256.640. Rules, procedure. —
No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of this chapter shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024.
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(L. 1985 S.B. 281 § 14, A.L. 1993 S.B. 52, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.641 - Definitions.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.641. Definitions. —
As used in sections 256.641 to 256.660, the following words mean:
(1)
"Irrigation well"
, any well which is used for the primary purpose of providing water for the irrigation or inundation of crops;
(2)
"Qualified voter"
, an owner of one acre or more of real property.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 21)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.643 - Southeast Missouri regional water district, certain counties may be included — governed by commission.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.643. Southeast Missouri regional water district, certain counties may be included — governed by commission. —
1. There is hereby established a public corporation to be known as the "Southeast Missouri Regional Water District". The district may include all or part of the following counties: Scott, Mississippi, Stoddard, Butler, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Dunklin.
2. The southeast Missouri regional water district shall be governed by a commission comprised of one person from each county in the district.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 22 subsecs. 1, 2)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.645 - Counties to adopt plan to set boundaries of district — meeting of landowners — notice requirement.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.645. Counties to adopt plan to set boundaries of district — meeting of landowners — notice requirement. —
Within thirty days of August 28, 1992, the governing body of each county listed in section 256.643 shall adopt a plan for the county establishing the precise boundary of that portion of the county to be included in the district. The governing body of each county adopting a plan shall direct the clerk of the county court to call a meeting of the owners of real estate of one acre or more per parcel situated in that county. Notice shall be given by publication once a week for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in the county at least ten days before the day of the meeting. The notice shall specify the meeting day, time, and place in the county; and that the purpose of the meeting is to determine whether the qualified voters wish to become a part of the district, and if so, to elect commissioners.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 22 subsec. 3)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.647 - Qualified voters to elect chairman and secretary — vote to become part of district and to select one commissioner, elections procedure.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.647. Qualified voters to elect chairman and secretary — vote to become part of district and to select one commissioner, elections procedure. —
1. The qualified voters in each county shall organize by electing a chairman and secretary of the meeting, who shall conduct elections for the following purposes:
(1) To determine whether a majority of the qualified votes have been cast in favor of becoming a part of the district; and
(2) If a majority of the qualified votes have been cast in favor of becoming a part of the district, then to select one commissioner of the district.
2. All elections conducted pursuant to subsection 1 of this section shall be conducted as follows: Each one acre of land which is assessed agricultural within the established boundary lines in the county shall represent one share, and each qualified voter shall be entitled to one vote by person or proxy for each one acre of land owned by such person within such boundary lines.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 22 subsecs. 4, 5)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.649 - Counties not joining may subsequently join, procedure — commissioners' qualifications.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.649. Counties not joining may subsequently join, procedure — commissioners' qualifications. —
Counties listed in section 256.643 which do not join the district pursuant to the provisions of sections 256.645 and 256.647 may subsequently join the district if the governing body of such county, after obtaining approval from the district commission, adopts an order declaring that the county shall join the district and establishing the precise boundary of the district within the county and if, after submitting the question of joining the district to the qualified voters of the county to be included in the district, a majority of such votes cast on the question favor joining the district. Such vote shall be conducted at an organizational meeting conducted pursuant to subsection 1 of section 256.647. Following the approval of the question favoring joining the district, the qualified voters of the county shall elect one commissioner to the commission to serve a term of office of six years as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of section 256.647. Candidates for election to the commission shall be citizens of the United States, voters within the county for one year next preceding the election, and at least thirty years of age.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 22 subsec. 6)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.651 - Meeting of commission, location — terms of office, how determined — vacancies — per diem — oath.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1992
256.651. Meeting of commission, location — terms of office, how determined — vacancies — per diem — oath. —
1. The commission shall meet in the county containing the largest proportion of the area of the district within three weeks of the initial appointment of commissioners from each county which joins the district.
2. Appointed commissioners shall serve until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
3. The elected commission members shall, at their first meeting, by lot determine the terms of their office, which shall be initially two, four and six years, and six years thereafter, and they shall serve until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. No commissioner shall serve more than two terms, whether partial or full.
4. Vacancies shall be filled by the county commission in the county from which the vacancy occurs for the remainder of an unexpired term. Members of the commission shall receive a per diem for attending commission meetings as set by the commission.
5. Each commission member before entering upon his official duties shall take and subscribe to an oath before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, that he will honestly, faithfully, and impartially perform the duties devolving upon him in office as a commission member of the district.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 §§ 23, 24)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.655 - Fees may be established for persons owning irrigation wells — qualification, limitation — to raise fee must submit to voters.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 28 Aug 1993
256.655. Fees may be established for persons owning irrigation wells — qualification, limitation — to raise fee must submit to voters. —
1. The commission may establish annual fees to be paid by persons owning irrigation wells which measure six inches in diameter or greater. Such fee may not exceed five dollars per well without prior approval of the qualified voters as provided for in sections 256.643 to 256.660. The commission may propose to raise the fee to an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars per well. The fee shall be raised to such amount upon approval by at least two-thirds of those voting on the question in the district. The fee shall be set by the commission in an amount necessary to produce revenue reasonably required to implement the provisions of sections 256.643 to 256.660 and shall be based upon the number of irrigation wells owned, water usage, size of the irrigation well or any combination thereof, adopted by the commission.
2. Each owner of a new irrigation well drilled which is an irrigation well measuring six inches in diameter or greater shall pay a fee to the commission of fifteen dollars for each new irrigation well drilled and each owner of an irrigation well measuring six inches in diameter or greater which is plugged under this chapter shall pay a fee to the commission of fifteen dollars.
3. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and upon the call of the president or any three members of the commission.
4. The fees authorized under this section shall not apply to any political subdivision or special district of the state.
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(L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 27, A.L. 1993 H.B. 482)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 256 - Geology, Water Resources and Geodetic Survey › Section 256.705 - Fund created, use of moneys.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 256
• Effective - 01 Jan 2008, see footnote
256.705. Fund created, use of moneys. —
1. All sums received through the payment of fees under section 256.700 shall be placed in the state treasury and credited to the "Geologic Resources Fund" which is hereby created.
2. After appropriation by the general assembly, the money in such fund shall be expended to collect, process, manage, and distribute geologic and hydrologic resource information pertaining to mineral resource potential in order to assist the mineral industry and for no other purpose. Such funds shall be utilized by the division of geology and land survey within the department of natural resources.
3. Any portion of the fund not immediately needed for the purposes authorized shall be invested by the state treasurer as provided by the constitution and laws of this state. All income from such investments shall, unless otherwise prohibited by the constitution of this state, be deposited in the geologic resources fund. The provisions of section 33.080 relating to the transfer of unexpended balances in various funds to the general revenue fund at the end of each biennium shall not apply to funds in the geologic resources fund.
4. General revenue of the state or other state funds may be appropriated or expended for the administration of sections 256.700 to 256.710. The state geologist may enter into a memorandum of understanding or other agreement that allows for state or federal funds to supplement the geologic resources fund.
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(L. 2007 S.B. 54)
Effective 1-01-08
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.020 - Definitions.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.020. Definitions. —
Unless the context requires otherwise, as used in this chapter the following terms mean:
(1)
"Court"
, the circuit court wherein the petition for the organization of the district was filed and granted;
(2)
"Person"
, person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation;
(3)
"Public corporation"
, counties, townships, cities, towns, villages, all special districts, and all other governmental agencies;
(4)
"River"
:
(a) The main stream and its tributaries of a primary drainage basin;
(b) The main stream and its tributaries of a secondary drainage basin;
(c) The principal stream of a tributary drainage area and its tributaries;
(d) The stream or streams of an unnamed drainage area, the specific delineation of which is otherwise provided for herein;
(5)
"River basin"
:
(a) A primary drainage basin; and including all of the area of a primary drainage basin above the point where the main stream of such basin flows out of the state of Missouri;
(b) A secondary drainage basin;
(c) A tributary drainage area, the principal stream of which drains directly into the main stream of a primary or secondary drainage basin; or
(d) The unnamed drainage areas not within any primary drainage basin and including those areas which border and drain directly into the Mississippi, Missouri, or Des Moines Rivers; all such basins and areas, and the streams thereof, being those delineated on the Missouri Bureau of Geology and Mines Drainage Map of 1927 as prepared and drawn under authorization of Laws of Missouri, 1921, page 88, and which drainage map was accordingly made of record in the bureau's biennial report of the state geologist transmitted to the 54th general assembly in 1927. Such delineation of basins and areas shall be understood to define their general locations and names, if any, and to be not definitive of their exact boundaries.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 1, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.030 - Organization — proceedings in circuit court — disqualification of judge.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.030. Organization — proceedings in circuit court — disqualification of judge. —
1. Jurisdiction over proceedings for the organization of a river basin conservancy district lies with the circuit court of the county in which more of the lands of the proposed district are situated than in any other county. The court in which the proceedings are initiated shall thereafter, for all purposes of this chapter, except as hereinafter otherwise provided, maintain and have exclusive original jurisdiction coextensive with the boundaries and limits of the district and of lands and other property within or affected by the district, without regard to the usual limits of jurisdiction of the court.
2. No change of venue shall be allowed in any proceedings by and under the court as provided in this chapter except in condemnation cases and except where the judge of the court shall be disqualified under the laws of this state relating to the change of venue in civil cases. In such situation the following shall apply:
(1) If the judge of the court is disqualified, or is charged, by a party of interest to any proceedings, with being disqualified, the judge shall take action under the change of venue law for civil cases to secure a judge from another judicial circuit of this state to sit, hear the proceedings, and render a decision in the same manner as the regular judge has authority to do. The judge secured from another judicial circuit shall retain jurisdiction until the disqualification of the regular judge of the court is removed.
(2) The expenses of the judge secured from another judicial circuit shall be paid in such amount and manner as provided by the laws of the state relating to circuit courts.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 3)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.050 - Bond for expenses.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.050. Bond for expenses. —
At the time of filing the petition, or at any time subsequent thereto and prior to the time of publication of notice of the hearing thereon, a bond shall be filed, with security approved by the court, sufficient to pay the expenses connected with the proceeding prior to a formal decree of the court establishing the district. If at any time during the proceedings the court is satisfied that the bond first executed is insufficient in amount, it may require the execution of an additional bond within a time to be fixed, to be not less than ten days, and upon failure of the petitioners to execute the same, the petition shall be dismissed.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 5)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.060 - Secondary or tributary drainage area, recommendation of state agency.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.060. Secondary or tributary drainage area, recommendation of state agency. —
When the petition proposes the organization of a district for a river basin which is a secondary drainage basin, a tributary drainage area, or an unnamed drainage area, the court shall proceed as follows: Request an official recommendation from the state agency officially designated by the governor to review plans of a river basin conservancy district as hereinafter provided, which agency shall approve or disapprove, or recommend changes with respect to, the extent and purpose of the proposed district as described in the petition, shall include in its recommendation the most properly descriptive name for the proposed district, and shall forward the recommendation to the court within thirty days after receiving the request from the court.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 6)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.090 - Court to call election — contents of call.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.090. Court to call election — contents of call. —
1. Upon designation of the election districts the court shall call for the referendum and board election accordingly.
2. The call for the referendum and first board election shall specify also at least the following:
(1) The purpose of the district as organized by the court;
(2) The general area of the district;
(3) The qualification of voters;
(4) The vote required for passage of the referendum;
(5) The basis of representation provided herein for the election of trustees, and the filing time for candidates for the board of trustees.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 9, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.100 - Form of ballot.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.100. Form of ballot. —
The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form:
Shall a ______ Conservancy District be established?
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 10, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.110 - Vote required to approve district.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.110. Vote required to approve district. —
A majority vote of those voting in the referendum shall constitute approval of establishment of the district.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 11, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.120 - Costs, how paid and taxed, counties reimbursed, when.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.120. Costs, how paid and taxed, counties reimbursed, when. —
Upon a vote approving the establishment of the district, the court shall order payment of the official costs of the proceedings, including the costs of election. The costs shall be paid out of the contingent funds of the county in which the petition is pending, if the county commission of that county has been a petitioner, otherwise the costs shall be defrayed from sums donated or advanced by the petitioners. In case the district is established, any costs advanced shall be repaid to the county or petitioners out of the first funds received from annual levies as provided for such purpose in this chapter. If the district is not organized or established, then the cost shall be collected from the county treasurer on voucher of the county commission, the petitioners or their bondsmen.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 12)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.130 - District established, when — status and powers.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.130. District established, when — status and powers. —
Upon payment of the costs, a vote approving the establishment of the district, and qualification of the trustees, the district shall be established as a public corporation and political subdivision of the state of Missouri, shall have perpetual existence except as otherwise provided in this chapter, and may do and perform all acts herein expressly authorized and all other acts necessary and proper for the carrying out of the purposes for which the district was created and for executing the powers with which it is invested. The court shall issue an order and decree accordingly.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 13)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.140 - Order establishing district not subject to collateral attack, when — contest of vote authorized.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.140. Order establishing district not subject to collateral attack, when — contest of vote authorized. —
Whenever an order is entered establishing the district, the order shall finally and conclusively establish the regular organization and establishment of the district against all persons except the state of Missouri upon suit commenced by the attorney general within three months after the decree declaring the district established. The organization and establishment of the district shall not be directly or collaterally questioned in any suit, action or proceeding except as herein expressly authorized. This provision is understood not to apply to an election contest of the referendum, first board election, or any other election provided for in this chapter.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 14, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.150 - Copies of decree recorded, where, sent to agency designated by governor.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.150. Copies of decree recorded, where, sent to agency designated by governor. —
Within thirty days after the district has been declared a corporation by the court, the clerk of the court shall take the following action:
(1) Transmit to the secretary of state copies of the findings and decree, the same to be filed and recorded in the office of the secretary of state in the same manner as articles of incorporation are now required to be filed and recorded under the general law concerning corporations. The secretary of state shall receive for filing and recording the copies such fees as now are or hereafter may be provided by law for like services in similar cases.
(2) Transmit to the county recorder of deeds in each of the counties having lands in the district, copies of the findings, decree, and surveyor's map of the district, the same to be filed in the office of the county recorder of deeds, where they shall become permanent records. The recorder of deeds in each county shall receive a fee of five dollars for filing and preserving the same.
(3) Transmit to the state agency designated by the governor to review plans of conservancy districts copies of the findings, decree, and surveyor's map of the district.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 15)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.170 - Election of trustees, procedure.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1978
257.170. Election of trustees, procedure. —
1. Candidates for election to the board of trustees shall file their declarations of candidacy with the secretary of the board of trustees or in the case of the first election, the filing shall be in like manner with the secretary of the election authority. The declaration of candidacy shall set forth the candidate's qualifications as provided herein.
2. The ballots shall not designate the candidates' parties.
3. At least a majority of the then qualified members of the board of trustees or of the election district commission, as the case might be, shall jointly tabulate the results received and shall certify the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for the respective terms of office and until their successors have been elected and qualified. In the case of the election district commission executing its duties hereunder, the secretary thereof shall forthwith send to the court, by registered mail, one complete copy of all returns.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 17, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.180 - Oath of trustees — organization — seal, records, meetings, quorum.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.180. Oath of trustees — organization — seal, records, meetings, quorum. —
1. Each trustee, before entering upon his official duties, shall take and subscribe to an oath before a suitable officer that he will honestly, faithfully and impartially perform the duties of his office, and that he will not be interested directly or indirectly in any contract let by the district, which oath shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the court in the original case.
2. The board of trustees shall choose one of their number president of the board, and shall elect some suitable person secretary, who may be a member of the board or a paid employee.
3. The board shall adopt a seal, and shall keep a record of all its proceedings, minutes of all meetings, certificates, contracts, bonds given by employees and all corporate acts, which shall be open to the inspection of all interested parties.
4. The trustees shall hold their meetings at such place and times as they may designate within the district. A majority of the trustees shall constitute a quorum, and a concurrence of a majority of those present in any matter within their duties shall be sufficient for its determination.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 18)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.190 - Secretary, duties — chief engineer and employees, duties, compensation — bonds — compensation of trustees — audits.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.190. Secretary, duties — chief engineer and employees, duties, compensation — bonds — compensation of trustees — audits. —
1. The secretary shall be the custodian of the records of the district and of its corporate seal and shall assist the board in such particulars as it may direct in the performance of its duties. The secretary shall serve also as treasurer of the district, unless a treasurer is otherwise provided for by the board. The board shall also employ or retain a registered, professional engineer as chief engineer, and such other agents and persons as are needful; and may provide for their compensation, which, with all other necessary expenditures, shall be taken as a part of the cost of administration, of various improvements or facilities or the cost of maintaining or operating same. The chief engineer shall be superintendent of all the works, improvements and facilities, and shall make a full report to the board each year, or oftener if required, and may make such suggestions and recommendations to the board as he deems proper. Such authority in the chief engineer shall not exclude the board from delegating the authority to an acting chief engineer, who is also a registered, professional engineer, when the chief engineer is not able or present to assume his duties. Neither shall the board be excluded from the assignment of administrative and business responsibilities to other personnel.
2. The board shall require and pay for an adequate bond for the secretary-treasurer, or secretary and treasurer, and such other employees whose duties may require the bond.
3. The members of the board shall receive, for attending to the business for and on behalf of the district, actual travel expenses; and shall further receive not to exceed fifteen dollars per day for each day that the board sits in meeting.
4. A certified public accountant shall audit the books of the district at the end of each fiscal year and report thereof to the board which shall, by publication, issue the statement within thirty days thereafter.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 19)
2023 Missouri Revised Statutes › Title XVI - Conservation, Resources and Development › Chapter 257 - Water Conservancy Districts › Section 257.200 - Powers of board, limits.

Title XVI CONSERVATION, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 257
Effective - 28 Aug 1959
257.200. Powers of board, limits. —
1. In order to accomplish the purposes of the conservancy district, the board of trustees may:
(1) Sue and be sued by its corporate name.
(2) Clean out, straighten, widen, alter, deepen or change the course or terminus of any ditch, drain, sewer, river, watercourse, pond, lake, creek or natural stream within the district; fill up any abandoned or altered watercourse; concentrate, divert or divide the flow of water within said district.
(3) Purchase, acquire, hold, sell, convey, encumber, lease, control, or use such land and personal property as may, by the board of trustees, be deemed necessary or convenient to enable it to properly carry out the purpose for which organized.
(4) Construct or contract for the construction of, and operate, maintain, preserve or supervise, engineering works and other works, improvements and facilities.
(5) Remove or change the location of any building, facility or structures which interfere with such improvements within the district.
(6) Acquire any easement, riparian or other right, or cemetery within the district for right-of-way, holding basin or for any necessary purpose.
(7) Replat or subdivide land, open new roads, streets and alleys, or change the course of an existing one.
(8) Charge fees consistent with the purposes and services of the district.
(9) Levy taxes, issue bonds and incur indebtedness within the limitations prescribed by this chapter.
(10) Enter into contracts or other arrangements with the United States government or any part thereof, with the state government or any part thereof, with public corporations of this state or another, or with persons, for cooperation, financial aid or other assistance in constructing, maintaining, using and operating the works or facilities of the district or the waters thereof, or in any other way in furthering the purposes of the district under this chapter; and jointly or severally may purchase, lease or acquire land or other property in order to accomplish the purposes of this chapter or further the interests of the district.
(11) Select a residence of home office for the district, which shall be at a place designated by the board of trustees.
2. The objects and powers enumerated in this chapter shall not be construed to exclude other objects and powers necessary to effectuate the general purposes of the district, but there shall be excluded from such purposes, objects and powers the construction, operation or holding by the district of permanent structures for lodging, and the ownership or holding by the district of land for such a use, excepting such residential accommodations as may be necessary for personnel concerned with the operation and maintenance of the works, improvements, facilities, and other property of the district.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 199 § 20)