MO SB879

Requires county permits for solar farms (20+ acres) with mandatory setbacks of 1,000 feet from residences, churches, schools, and city limits; 300 feet from other property lines; and 250 feet from public roads, with noise limits of 45 decibels at property lines

Establishes solar energy project property tax at $6,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity beginning January 1, 2027, adjusted annually for inflation using the Midwest Consumer Price Index

Limits solar energy projects in any county to no more than 2% of total cropland (based on USDA Census data), though county commissions may increase this cap by order, ordinance, or voter approval

Requires solar farm decommissioning plans with removal within 12 months of ceasing operations, bonded at 125% of estimated costs calculated by a licensed engineer, with plans updated every five years

Removes eminent domain authority for corporations seeking to build wind or solar generation facilities, while preserving condemnation authority for transmission lines, substations, and other infrastructure needed to connect renewable energy to the grid