MO HB686

Requires the director to make a permit recommendation to the commission within four weeks after the public notice period expires, recommending denial if the application does not comply with section 444.772 or related regulations.

Permits director to issue a permit without a public meeting if recommendation is for issuance, unless a petition is received from someone claiming health, safety, or livelihood will be unduly impaired.

Establishes that in any public hearing, the commission may deny a permit if it finds competent and substantial scientific evidence that an interested party's health, safety, or livelihood will be unduly impaired.

Allows the commission to deny a permit if the operator demonstrated a pattern of noncompliance during the five-year period before application that suggests reasonable likelihood of future noncompliance, with specific limitations on how past violations can be used.

Makes commission decisions on permit denials subject to judicial review under chapter 536, provided all administrative remedies are exhausted.