Missouri lawmakers working on artificial intelligence policy say they plan to pursue new legislation next year while encouraging local communities to take a more active role in evaluating AI-related development projects.
Members of the Missouri House Future Caucus unveiled an “AI Infrastructure Community Evaluation Framework” during a news conference Tuesday at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. The guide is designed to help communities assess the potential benefits and challenges associated with AI infrastructure, including energy use, utility costs, land use and long-term planning.
Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, a Republican and chair of the House Future Caucus, said the framework is intended to give local leaders a practical tool to evaluate proposals before major AI projects move into their communities.
“It is a guide and a set of questions and considerations to help them think of everything from decommissioning sites to renewable energy components to how to keep their ratepayers safe from spikes and price increases,” Wellenkamp said.
Wellenkamp said he plans to continue pursuing AI-related legislation after proposals he sponsored during the 2026 legislative session failed to reach the finish line.
“So that Missourians do not bear the brunt of over consumptive AI infrastructure and everything that goes into it,” Wellenkamp said. “The amount of resources that it can use, the amount of space and land use it can implicate, and that physicality requires guardrails. And that’s what the legislation is about.”
Rep. Mike Costlow, a Republican from St. Charles County and a member of the Future Caucus, said lawmakers are trying to ensure Missouri doesn’t repeat mistakes other states have made while competing for AI development.
“We have watched other states give incentives and give the keys to the kingdom in a way that damaged the relationships and the welfare of the residents,” Costlow said. “And as the Show Me State, it’s important that we learn. They showed us, we learn, and we do it better.”
Costlow said additional AI legislation is expected when lawmakers return to Jefferson City in January. He said communities and residents should seek reliable information as artificial intelligence becomes a larger part of everyday life.
“Cut through all of the misinformation that may be online to do the research themselves, find trusted sources, and lean into protecting themselves in an intelligent way,” Costlow said.
Other lawmakers participating in the effort included Rep. Scott Miller, a Republican from St. Charles County, and Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a Democrat from St. Louis. Both said Missouri should pursue opportunities tied to AI while ensuring communities are protected from potential impacts on resources, infrastructure and utility costs.
The AI Infrastructure Community Evaluation Framework is available through a Future Caucus webpage hosted by Lindenwood University.
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