Bill > HB2980

This bill modifies provisions related to electric utilities, primarily focusing on the regulation and taxation of solar energy projects and electric transmission lines. It introduces new requirements for obtaining permits to construct solar farms, mandating that applicants first secure approval from county commissions, which will set specific setback distances from residences, churches, schools, and property lines, as well as noise level limits. These county permits are a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Missouri Public Service Commission. The bill also establishes new tax assessment methods for solar energy projects, including a fixed tax liability per megawatt of capacity and classifying the associated land as commercial property for assessment purposes, starting in 2027. Additionally, it clarifies that solar and wind energy projects are to be valued and taxed by local authorities, not through the state's distributable property tax system for utilities. For electric transmission lines, the bill requires the Public Service Commission to adopt rules by March 2027 to address construction standards on privately owned agricultural land, covering aspects like landowner communication, design, and restoration practices. Finally, the bill places a cap on the total amount of cropland that can be used for solar energy projects within a county, limiting it to two percent unless increased by local ordinance or a vote of the residents, and also sets setback requirements for new solar projects.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2980&year=2026&code=R