SPONSOR: Mayhew
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 10 to 2. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules-Legislative by a vote of 7 to 1.
This bill requires that before the Department of Natural Resources issues or renews any permit, license, or grant of authority, the local jurisdiction must verify that the person and activity, to which any preliminary or final application was first received by the Department, is in compliance with all applicable local rules and ordinances.
The Department may not deny any preliminary or final application under this provision based on a local code, ordinance, or order if the local code, ordinance, or order was enacted following the filing of the application.
This bill is the same as SB 269 (2025).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that currently, local jurisdictions can adopt ordinances and rules that prohibit projects that are currently in the application process with the Department of Natural Resources. This bill would provide permit applicants with certainty and predictability in the permitting process.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Mayhew; Arnie C. Dienoff; Missouri Corn Growers Association; INFRA; Associated Industries of Missouri; Missouri Pork Association; Clarkston Nelson LLC; Presidio Environmental/Derrick Standly; and Rockne Miller.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this bill would take away local control and remove local jurisdictions' ability to protect residents.
Testifying in person against the bill was Michael Berg, Sierra Club Missouri Chapter.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: