MO HB1659

Creates a grant program through the Department of Economic Development to help Missouri businesses convert facilities to produce strategic materials including critical chemicals, gases, metals, minerals, and pharmaceutical ingredients essential to defense, national health security, or energy resilience

Establishes the "Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Fund" with up to $10 million annually in state appropriations, plus federal and private contributions; grants capped at $1 million per application per fiscal year

Requires qualified companies to invest a minimum of $500,000 in private capital and complete facility conversions within 24 months of receiving grant funds or face full or partial repayment

Applicants must submit conversion plans detailing timelines, strategic materials to be produced, and anticipated job creation/retention, along with documentation of compliance with state labor, environmental, and tax laws

Program sunsets 10 years after the effective date unless reauthorized by the General Assembly; Department must submit annual reports to the legislature by December 31st detailing applications, approvals, awards, and estimated economic impact