Energy

HB 1659 creates a Missouri grant program to help businesses convert facilities to produce critical defense and energy materials (like strategic chemicals or minerals). It directly affects Missouri-based companies that make at least $500,000 in private investments to convert facilities, offering grants up to $1 million per company for qualified conversion costs. The bill establishes a dedicated $10 million annual fund (subject to appropriation) and requires companies to complete conversions within 24 months or repay grants. Companies must submit detailed plans, prove compliance with labor/environmental laws, and the state will report annually on applications, grants, and economic impact.

SB 849 would pause the construction of new solar energy projects statewide. The bill, currently pending review by the Senate Energy Committee, does not specify exemptions or duration. It directly affects solar developers and project builders by halting new construction permits. This is a procedural bill that has not yet been enacted into law.

HB 1796 repeals existing Missouri property rights laws and replaces them with new provisions focused on building codes and homeowner access to permits. It prohibits local governments (counties, municipalities, fire districts) from requiring one- or two-family homes, condos, or townhouses to meet specific "green" or energy efficiency standards beyond the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The bill also creates the "Building Permit Reform Act," exempting owner-occupants of single-family homes from needing licenses or certifications to perform their own renovations, with a potential $5,000 fee if the property is sold within one year. Violating these restrictions makes the local ordinance null and void.

HB 2384 prohibits counties and municipalities from requiring building practices that threaten affordability for residential and commercial properties. Specifically, it bans local governments from mandating sustainable, energy-efficient, or "green" building standards exceeding the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for single- or two-family homes, condos, townhouses, apartments, or commercial buildings. The bill also requires local governments to approve or deny building permit requests within 30 days, with automatic approval if no response is given, and sets specific safety conditions for single-exit residential buildings. This directly affects developers, builders, and homeowners seeking construction or renovation approvals, while limiting local code enforcement authority.