A measure hoping to spur growth in the life sciences industry has passed the House and heads for an uncertain reception in the Senate.

Its formal name is the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, it’s known as MOSIRA at the Capitol, a vehicle to provide incentives for the growth of life and bio sciences.

Sponsor John Diehl, a Republican from Town and Country, said MOSIRA will help Missouri develop a next generation industry.

“I think it’s going to be really difficult for manufacturing to take root in the state like it did back in the auto glory days,” Diehl told the Missourinet.

He sees great opportunity for the state in life sciences, in no small part due to the research facilities available at the University of Missouri, UMKC, Washington University and St. Louis University.

HCS/HB 468 is about more than MOSIRA. It also would provide incentives to lure data storage companies to Missouri, turning caves into technology centers. Those trying to turn old factory sites into new development would receive incentives as well under the bill, such as efforts to redevelop the old Chrysler factories in Fenton.

The House overwhelmingly approved the measure 144-7. The House has consistently approved business incentives the past few years only to see them die in the Senate.

AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [1:10 MP3]