House adopts bill rolling back local energy‑code authority to ease housing costs, critics say it preempts municipalities

On Feb. 12 the Missouri House approved a committee substitute for House Bill 23‑84, legislation the sponsor described as lowering construction costs by limiting certain energy mandates, setting permit timelines and revising design requirements for multifamily housing.

The bill’s sponsor (gentleman from Platt County) said the measure aims to make home ownership more attainable by removing excessive requirements that add significant costs while preserving safety standards. "This bill directly addresses the housing affordability crisis and makes home ownership more attainable for Missouri families," he said.

Opponents argued the bill preempts municipalities’ hard‑won local code processes. The lady from Jackson County said the substitute would roll back many municipalities to 2009 energy codes without a clear update process, undermining local efforts to set appropriate standards and potentially delaying future improvements.

After floor debate the House adopted the committee substitute on third reading. The clerk announced the yeas were 92 and the nays 61; the substitute was declared third read and passed.