Springfield News-Leader JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson signed a slew of bills into law Tuesday, including one that reforms a state loan program designed to lower utility costs and lessen climate impact. The legislation, House Bill 697, will strengthen protections for borrowers and businesses that use the Property Assessed Clean Energy program, which a ProPublica investigation this year found put homeowners in majority-Black neighborhoods at risk of losing their homes. Weeks after its publication, a bill reforming the program, sponsored by Rep. Bruce DeGroot, a Republican from Ellisville, passed both chambers with few dissenting votes. Those who borrow using the program will now be provided with comprehensive information about the risk and impact of their loan, as well as the possibility of foreclosure if they fail to pay. Residents will also be limited on how much they can borrow using the program based on home value and other debts.