JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Representative Don Mayhew has introduced HB 1442, the Natural Resource and Community Protection Act, to end federal overreach in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and other federally managed lands within Missouri.
The bill ensures that local residents are not unfairly targeted by federal park rangers and that Missouri retains authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, and land use.
“In the spirit of President Donald Trump’s commitment to eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, this bill will protect Missouri citizens from harassment by the National Park Service (NPS) and other federal agencies,” Rep. Mayhew, R-Crocker, said. “It prioritizes the rights of our residents and ensures that federal authorities cannot impose restrictive regulations or enforcement actions without state and local oversight.”
HB 1442 prioritizes the rights of local residents by preventing the NPS from issuing federal tickets for minor infractions, prohibiting unconstitutional property seizures, stopping unreasonable land use restrictions, and blocking unilateral road closures by federal authorities.
The bill also reaffirms Missouri’s authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, roads, and highways by requiring federal agencies to coordinate with state and local officials before imposing new regulations or enforcement actions.
“Our citizens deserve protection from federal government overreach, and this legislation is a crucial step in defending our freedoms and livelihoods that were guaranteed by the constitution,” Rep. Mayhew said.
Representative Don Mayhew, a Republican, represents parts of Miller and Pulaski County (District 124) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Mayhew’s office at 573-751-3604 or via email at Don.Mayhew@House.Mo.Gov.