SB 1116

This bill, the "Missouri Nuclear Energy Advancement Act," removes any state prohibition on building nuclear power plants in Missouri and establishes a new Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Department of Natural Resources to promote nuclear energy development. The office, led by a governor-appointed director with an annual budget cap of $750,000, will administer a fund that provides reimbursement grants to eligible nuclear projects for expenses like site planning, engineering design, and environmental assessments. The legislation specifically focuses on supporting advanced nuclear reactor technologies, including small modular reactors and microreactors, with the goal of facilitating the development of nuclear electric generation facilities in Missouri, provided they meet all licensing requirements and emergency preparedness standards.