HB 1900 establishes the "Net Metering and Easy Connection Act" in Missouri, directly affecting homeowners and small businesses installing renewable energy systems (like rooftop solar) under 100 kilowatts. The bill requires electricity suppliers to offer net metering on a first-come, first-served basis until systems reach 5% of the supplier's annual peak electricity demand. It also limits new applications each year to no more than 1% of the previous year's peak demand to prevent sudden system overload. This policy change clarifies the process for small-scale renewable energy users to connect to the grid and receive credit for excess power they generate.
HB 2288 modifies setback distance rules for solid waste disposal facilities in counties. It sets maximum distances: three miles from incorporated cities, schools, churches, subdivisions, or parks; three-quarters of a mile from residential homes; and 200 feet from property lines. These rules apply to county ordinances governing solid waste disposal siting and prevent stricter local requirements. The bill directly affects waste disposal operators and nearby residents or property owners. It does not change existing zoning laws but limits how close facilities can be to certain locations.
This bill exempts small, portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts that plug into standard outlets) from most public utility regulations. It requires electricity providers to offer net metering for these devices, allowing homeowners to receive credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, with credits applied to future bills and expiring after 12 months. The law specifically targets moveable units certified by safety labs like UL, not fixed rooftop systems. It does not change existing rules for larger solar installations or utility-scale projects.
HB 1736 modifies county sales tax rules for park funds to allow stormwater management projects within parks. It permits counties to use 50% of their allocated tax revenue for stormwater projects that either acquire park land/greenways or enhance natural park features without reducing park benefits. This affects counties and municipalities receiving these funds, which must still align with park purposes. The bill expands existing park funding uses without changing overall tax allocation percentages.
HB 2774 prohibits state or local laws, rules, or regulations that restrict the sale or use of specific items based solely on their fuel type. It directly affects owners and sellers of motor vehicles, common tools (like generators, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers), and farm equipment. The bill blocks restrictions targeting fuel sources - such as banning gasoline-powered equipment in certain areas - by preventing such rules from being enacted. This creates a statewide standard, ensuring these items cannot be regulated differently simply because they run on gasoline, diesel, or other fuels.
HB 1731 creates a state-regulated rebate program for homeowners and businesses installing solar energy systems paired with energy storage. It requires electrical corporations to offer per-watt rebates (ranging from $2.00 to $0.25 per watt) based on installation dates between 2026 and 2032, with decreasing amounts over time. To qualify, customers must install a "smart inverter" (safety-compliant solar inverter), add energy storage, and transfer renewable energy credits for 10 years. The bill caps annual and total rebate costs for utilities based on their customer size (e.g., large utilities capped at $5.6 million annually) and allows utilities to recover rebate costs through rate adjustments.
HB 2980 requires counties to issue permits for solar power plants before the state can approve them. It sets specific rules: solar farms must be at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, or churches; 300 feet from other properties; and 250 feet from roads, with noise limits of 45 decibels. Developers must submit safety plans, hold public meetings, and provide decommissioning plans with a bond covering 125% of cleanup costs before construction begins. The bill directly affects solar developers and county governments by adding local permitting requirements and cleanup accountability.
HB 2998 modifies Missouri statutes to support rural economic development through several concrete measures. It prohibits electric utilities from closing coal-fired power plants for five years (§393.407), requires solar projects to source 90% of equipment and labor from Missouri or the U.S. (§393.1120), and caps solar development on cropland at 2% per county (§393.1122). The bill also mandates prioritized funding for rural roads based on population (§226.035) and establishes a Rural Development Office within the Department of Economic Development to coordinate rural programs and report on community needs like broadband and healthcare (§620.070). These provisions directly affect utilities, solar developers, transportation planners, and rural communities across Missouri.
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Coal
Solar
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Economic Development
Rural Communities
HB 2261 modifies littering laws by adding specific penalties for the intentional release or abandonment of balloons. It directly affects individuals who intentionally release balloons outdoors, particularly those filled with lighter-than-air gas (like helium). The bill sets fines based on balloon quantity: $100-$500 for 10 or fewer balloons on a first offense, increasing to $500-$1,000 for repeat offenses or $500+ for 11+ balloons on a first offense. Exceptions include unintentional releases and scientific/meteorological balloon use. This is a policy change focused solely on balloon littering, not general littering offenses.
HB 2738 restricts new mining operations near sensitive locations in Missouri. It prohibits issuing new mining permits within 1,000 feet of any accredited school operating for at least five years, and bans all mining, refining, or manufacturing of specific minerals (like cobalt, lithium, lead, and rare earths) within one mile of wildlife refuges, state parks, water bodies, residences, or schools. The bill exempts existing mines, refineries, or manufacturing facilities already operating as of August 28, 2026. This directly affects mining companies seeking new permits near schools or protected areas, while allowing continued operations at established sites.
