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 1884 requires developers, owners, or operators of wind energy conversion systems (facilities with five or more 50-foot-tall turbines or taller) in Missouri to install FAA-approved light-mitigating technology systems to reduce aviation obstruction lighting impacts. New projects must comply after August 28, 2026, while existing systems must install by August 28, 2034, with both having 24 months after FAA approval to complete installation. Non-compliance incurs daily fines of $5,000 per turbine until installation is complete. The bill places all installation costs and compliance responsibilities on the wind energy facility operators.
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 2609 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to cover all costs for installing, maintaining, and operating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at businesses when they mandate such stations. It limits requirements to no more than five stations per parking lot with over 30 spaces and exempts churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations from these rules. The bill does not prevent businesses or property owners from voluntarily paying for EV charging stations themselves. This policy directly affects local governments that adopt EV station requirements and businesses with qualifying parking lots.
HB 2598 establishes the Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and a dedicated fund to provide grants for eligible nuclear energy projects in the state. The bill creates a new office within the Department of Natural Resources to administer grants covering pre-construction costs like site planning, engineering, and licensing fees for projects combining advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors) with natural gas facilities. Grants are capped at $100 million per project, require that natural gas electricity sales fund nuclear project costs until commissioning, and prohibit use for projects recovering costs through utility rates. The office must ensure transparent grant allocation, track project performance, and maintain confidentiality of applicant information.
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.
HB 2207 establishes Missouri's "Electric Choice and Competition Law," shifting the state's electricity market from a monopoly structure to one allowing customers to choose their electricity supplier. It requires electric utilities to provide open access to their transmission and distribution systems, enabling retail electric suppliers to sell directly to customers. Starting 24 months after August 28, 2026, commercial and industrial customers (those with higher energy use) will gain the ability to select a supplier, while residential customers will receive default supply service if they do not choose an alternative. The bill also standardizes billing (requiring either "dual bills" or "supplier consolidated bills") and creates mechanisms like a "competitive transition charge" to recover legacy costs from the monopoly era over time.
HB 1632 creates tax credits for Missouri retailers and distributors selling biodiesel blends (5-20% biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel). It provides a 2-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 5-10% biodiesel and a 5-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 10-20% biodiesel sold at retail service stations or to final users within Missouri. The credits apply to tax years beginning in 2023 or later, with a total annual cap of $16 million and a sunset provision ending the program on December 31, 2028, unless reauthorized. This bill directly affects fuel sellers who meet the blend specifications defined in the law.
