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 2578 modifies Missouri's renewable energy definitions and sets new requirements for electric utilities. It redefines "renewable energy resources" to exclude nuclear energy (previously included under "alternative energy resources") and limits hydropower to small-scale systems (≤10MW without new water projects). The bill establishes a phased renewable energy portfolio standard requiring utilities to supply 2% (2011-2013), 5% (2014-2017), 10% (2018-2020), and 15% (2021+) of electricity from renewable sources, with at least 2% from solar. Utilities can meet requirements by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or contracting directly with "accelerated renewable buyers" for certain projects.
HB 2607 modifies Missouri's property tax assessment rules by changing how real and personal property is valued and taxed. It sets specific assessment percentages: 19% for residential property (subclass 1), 12% for commercial property (subclass 2), and 32% for other real property (subclass 3), while lowering rates for certain items like solar equipment (5%) and historic vehicles (5%). The bill includes special rules for property near commercial airports, reducing assessments by costs paid by non-government parties for improvements after 2008, and requires counties to submit annual assessment maintenance plans for approval. These changes directly affect property owners, local assessors, and counties by altering tax calculations and administrative processes for property valuation.
HB 2435 modifies homeowners' association (HOA) rules to allow property owners to display political signs, install solar panels, display sale signs, and keep up to six chickens on lots of at least 0.2 acres. The bill prohibits HOAs from banning these activities through deed restrictions, though associations may set reasonable rules about sign size, placement, or chicken coop locations. HOAs can remove signs or chickens only for safety violations, ordinance breaches, or if attached materials violate rules, after providing written notice with a 3-day grace period. The bill applies to residential properties and does not affect condominium or cooperative associations. It is currently pending in the legislature.
HB 2475 modifies Missouri's Renewable Energy Standard by establishing new renewable energy portfolio requirements for electric utilities. It requires utilities to generate or purchase electricity from alternative energy sources (including wind, solar, and hydropower) to meet specific annual targets: 2% by 2013, 5% by 2017, 10% by 2020, and 15% annually starting in 2021, with at least 2% coming from solar. Utilities can comply by purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) or generating eligible energy, with Missouri-produced renewable energy counting as 1.25 times its actual amount toward compliance. The bill directly affects all electric utilities serving Missouri consumers, requiring them to meet these tiered targets for electricity sales.
HB 2478 modifies Missouri's utility laws to regulate solar farm development by requiring county permits before construction. Developers must maintain minimum distances (1,000 feet from homes/schools/churches, 300 feet from other property lines), limit noise to 45 decibels, and hold public meetings for community input within 90 days of application. The bill also mandates decommissioning plans with bonds covering cleanup costs after operations end, and prohibits the state utility commission from issuing permits without county approval. These rules directly affect solar farm developers, county governments, and nearby residents.
