By Jared Hankinson, Vice President of Government Affairs
The 2025 Regular and Special Sessions of the Missouri General Assembly clearly signaled that our state is serious about building a stronger, more innovative future. While much progress has been made, work remains to position Missouri as a national leader in the ongoing technology revolution.
Lawmakers advanced strategic policies to expand our technology footprint and halted proposals that could have limited future growth. Below are the key actions that defined Missouri’s pro-technology stance this year.
Senate Bill 4 (Regular Session): Building a Resilient, Reliable Grid
Sponsored by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee’s Summit), Senate Bill 4 delivers comprehensive regulatory reform designed to modernize Missouri’s energy infrastructure. The legislation provides stability and certainty that will enhance our grid’s resilience and make the state more competitive in attracting major technology investments.
From artificial intelligence implementation to large-scale data center development, companies now have greater confidence that Missouri can support the energy demands of the future. This legislation sends a clear signal: Missouri is ready to power the next generation of innovation.
Senate Bill 1 (Special Session): Investing in Missouri’s Tech Future
Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), restored critical funding after the Regular Session’s House Bill 19 failed to advance. Many technology and higher education partners had been left uncertain about their projects and timelines.
Thankfully, Senate Bill 1 reaffirmed Missouri’s commitment to research and innovation. Most notably, the legislation secured $50 million in funding for the NextGen MU Research Reactor (MURR). This project will build on the work of the current MU Research Reactor – the only U.S. facility producing four key medical isotopes for cancer treatment. This investment cements Missouri’s role as a global leader in nuclear medicine innovation and manufacturing.
House Bill 7 (Regular Session): A Pro-Tech Budget Cycle
Sponsored by Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-Noel), House Bill 7 reinforces the message that tech investment is a strategic priority – not a fleeting interest. Among the highlights:
These investments are more than line items – they’re a clear signal that Missouri intends to compete globally in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and digital innovation.
Avoiding Policy Missteps: Listening to Industry
Just as important as passing good legislation is avoiding bad policy. Missouri legislators demonstrated an encouraging willingness to learn and adapt when faced with concerns from the tech community.
These outcomes underscore the value of collaboration between policymakers and industry. When legislators listen to subject-matter experts, Missouri is better positioned to promote innovation while avoiding overreach.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
The 2025 legislative sessions marked a pivotal year for technology policy in Missouri. We funded bold new initiatives, modernized our energy infrastructure and halted harmful proposals through open dialogue. Still, our work is not done.
We invite you to join the Missouri Technology Alliance – a coalition of elected officials, business leaders and higher education partners dedicated to making Missouri the most pro-tech state in the Midwest. Together, we can drive the next wave of innovation, secure high-quality jobs and ensure our state remains an exceptional place to live, work and thrive.
