Missouri lawmakers passed nothing on data centers this year — that could change
Missouri lawmakers failed to pass any data center legislation this year, despite several proposed bills addressing electricity, water usage, and environmental reporting. However, an upcoming public hearing and calls for a special session indicate growing momentum for legislative action in the next session. Communities across the state continue to voice opposition and concerns regarding data center development.
Missouri lawmakers failed to pass any legislation concerning data centers during the 2026 session, despite growing public concern and several proposed bills. Lawmakers like Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R-Wentzville, have announced an upcoming public hearing in September for the House Special Committee of Intergovernmental Affairs, aiming to give communities a voice and push for greater oversight and transparency, including a prohibition on non-disclosure agreements.
Earlier this year, House Bill 3362, known as the "AI Infrastructure Grid Integrity and Water Resources Protection Act," was the sole piece of legislation to receive a hearing. Sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, R-St. Charles, and Rep. Mike Costlow, R-Dardenne Prairie, the bill aimed to protect Missouri's electrical grid and water resources by requiring large-load customers, such as data centers, to pay for infrastructure upgrades and obtain permits for significant water usage. Although it received strong committee support, it ultimately did not advance. Similar efforts included bills from Rep. Marty Joe Murray, D-St. Louis, proposing a temporary ban on data center construction in St. Louis and demanding greater environmental and health reporting.
Community members from across the state have actively opposed current development trends, with a protest gathering approximately 100 Missourians in Jefferson City in June. Residents like Sylvia Kueny from Montgomery County, where Amazon plans a data center, and Elisabeth Alley-Bennett from Franklin County, where opposition is active, testified in support of stricter regulations. While some officials, including Gov. Mike Kehoe, have championed AI and data center development as an economic opportunity for Missouri, House Speaker Jon Patterson initially viewed the issue as a local matter. However, the subsequent granting of a public hearing request signals a potential shift in state-level engagement, with lawmakers like Rep. Don Mayhew also advocating for a special session to proactively address data center regulations. The Missouri Municipal League is also educating local governments on navigating data center proposals.