Bill > SB879

This bill modifies provisions related to electric utilities, with a primary focus on solar energy projects and their regulation. It introduces new requirements for solar farm construction, including mandatory county commission permits that specify setback distances from churches, schools, residences, and property lines, as well as noise level restrictions. The bill requires solar farm developers to submit detailed information at a public meeting, including project capacity, safety measures, and owner contact information. Developers must also provide a decommissioning plan and post a bond to cover removal costs. The legislation establishes a cap on solar energy project land use, limiting solar farms to no more than 2% of a county's cropland, with potential exceptions. The bill creates new tax assessment methodologies for solar energy projects, setting a specific tax rate per megawatt of nameplate capacity starting in 2027. Additionally, the bill provides guidelines for property condemnation, restricting electrical corporations from condemning property for wind or solar energy generation facilities while still allowing them to acquire rights for related infrastructure. The bill aims to balance solar energy development with local community interests by introducing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for solar farm construction, land use, and taxation.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=129