Some folks are emotionally drawn to the headlines of the day. The headlines sell newspapers.

But, much of the work that’s done in Jefferson City will never make the banner at the top of the front page.

In our committee this week we’ll address some needed updates to our state statutes. The responsibility of our Conservation and Natural Resources committee will be to consider provisions relating to land surveys.

Today’s survey systems are based on the Missouri Coordinate System of 1927 and the Missouri Coordinate System of 1983. At best it’s been 40 years since we’ve updated the methodology of our land surveys. 

The advances in technology are the driving force of change.

Because of the expansion of new knowledge, every industry is challenged to keep up. Missouri statutes are no different.

The Department of Natural Resources will describe for the committee the most current land survey systems. Essentially, the old coordinate systems will need to be replaced by the most recent system of state plane coordinates established by the National Geodectic Survey.

The new system will based on the National Spacial Reference System and will be known as the Missouri State Plane Coordinate System. Witness testimony in committee will help answer member questions. It will be a lot to take in. The goal of the committee will be to make sure our statutes reflect necessary change to the provisions of the law.

So I told you, there’s stuff happening in the capitol every day that you really don’t care about. But, it is the necessary work we do that makes our state of Missouri a better place to live and work.

(State Rep. Bruce Sassmann is a Republican from the Bland community. Reach him via email to Bruce.Sassmann@house.mo.gov or call his new office telephone number at 573-751-6668).