Energy (Electric Vehicles)

HB 2849 requires Missouri school districts to purchase or contract for zero-emission school buses (electric or fuel-cell) for all new vehicles starting January 1, 2037. This directly affects all public school districts in Missouri, with limited exceptions allowed if a district demonstrates terrain or route constraints prevent feasible use of zero-emission technology, requiring approval from the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Air Conservation Commission. Small districts (average daily attendance ≤350 students) may request annual extensions until 2047 under the same feasibility conditions. The law mandates a full transition to zero-emission school buses for new purchases, while acknowledging practical limitations through a structured exception process.

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.