Coalition of state representatives urge Kehoe to call special session over data centers
Over a dozen members of the Missouri House of Representatives are urging Governor Mike Kehoe to call a special legislative session to address the rapid expansion of data centers across the state. Led by State Representative Don Mayhew, the coalition highlights concerns about the strain on electrical infrastructure, water resources, local roads, and consumer data privacy. They believe immediate legislative action is needed to establish adequate protection measures for citizens.
A coalition of more than a dozen Missouri House of Representatives members is calling on Governor Mike Kehoe to convene a special session of the General Assembly. Spearheaded by State Representative Don Mayhew (R-Crocker), the representatives sent a letter to Governor Kehoe emphasizing the urgent need to address the challenges and community concerns stemming from the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers throughout the state. The group warns against potential irreversible long-term impacts if legislative action is delayed.
Representative Mayhew specifically highlighted the significant strain that these massive data facilities could place on Missouri's electrical infrastructure, water resources, and local roads. He also raised concerns regarding consumer data privacy, arguing that current state laws were not designed to cope with the rapid emergence of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies. Mayhew stressed that the General Assembly should not wait for the next regular legislative session to tackle these issues.
In a news release, Mayhew stated, "The rapid emergence of these data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is creating multiple challenges that existing laws were never designed to address. Missouri just cannot wait and sit by while these changes occur before determining whether adequate protection measures exist for its citizens." He believes a special session would enable lawmakers to identify statutory gaps, evaluate safeguards, and consider new legislation like the Missouri Consumer Data Bill of Rights.
Mayhew's formal request follows months of increasing concerns from Missouri families, property owners, and agricultural communities about who will ultimately bear the infrastructure and cost burdens associated with major tech developments. He concluded by asserting that the people of Missouri deserve assurance that their interests and personal freedoms are protected above those of multinational corporations and outside special interests.