Establishes the State Office of Archaeology

SB 1749 establishes the State Office of Archaeology within Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources to coordinate statewide archaeological and paleontological preservation. The office will oversee sites over 150 years old (conducting surveys for significant sites or if landowners request it), ensure compliance with federal protection laws, maintain archaeological records, and serve as the official repository for the state’s artifacts. It requires the office director to be a professional archaeologist and mandates coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office and federal agencies like the Department of Interior. This directly affects landowners with historic sites, developers, and state agencies managing cultural resources, while implementing concrete preservation programs.