Missouri REALTORS®,
It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I’m most excited to share that REALTOR® Days remain a huge success. In addition to the many Local Board/Association visits that have already taken place, it seems every time I walk into a visited office in the Capitol, I see a Missouri REALTORS® talking points brochure on the desk.
I can’t begin to explain how important Local Board/Association visits to the Capitol are. Visits of this nature not only put a local presence into our legislative efforts, but legislative officials experience first-hand constituents pushing for issues important to our industry.
Now, to issues currently taking place. The House Judiciary Committee took testimony on HB 1662 last week. This bill prohibits the recording of certain currently unenforceable covenants and allows a property owner to remove those covenants from their deed. The covenants to which I am referring are those that prohibit the sale of the property to another individual based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
One of the committee members, Rep. Marlon Anderson, pointed out that Shelley vs. Kramer, which rendered racially restrictive covenants unenforceable, arose in what is now his district. He thanked Missouri REALTORS® for supporting HB 1662.
The bill sponsor, Rep. Craig Fishel, has asked for consent status for the bill. If we can get consent status, it means that we go on a separate calendar, and it is an up and down vote; therefore, no one can offer amendments. We may know as early as this coming week.
Stay tuned for additional information regarding this issue. In the meantime, check with your Local Board/Association or Regional Advocacy Coordinator to schedule or join your REALTOR® Day’s event. As always, we encourage you to attend.
Sincerely,
Sam Licklider
Chief Lobbyist, Missouri REALTORS®