5/30/02 - Passed in a flurry of activity during the final days of Missouri's legislative session, lawmakers passed SB915, which will be submitted to voters on Aug. 6. If approved, this transportation funding package would raise the fuel tax by 4 cents to 21 cents a gallon and the general sales tax by a half-cent.

The bill also removes the sunset clause of the 6-cent fuel tax increase approved in 1992. The 1992 increase would have expired in 2008. Additionally, the bill specifies how the money will be used and gives voters the opportunity to review the tax increases again in 2012. If rejected in 2012, the increased sales tax and fuel tax rates will return to today's current level.

According to an Associated Press report, the half-cent sales tax increase would generate a projected $297 million annually and the 4-cent fuel tax increase would raise an estimated $168 million.

4/29/02-A sales tax and fuel tax increase (SB915) was approved April 24 by the Missouri Senate and was sent to the House where it was referred to the House Transportation Committee.

The bill repeals the fuel tax sunset clause and increases the tax by 6 cents and raises the general sales tax by 3/8 cent. If passed by the House, the bill would then go to the voters for approval the first Tuesday in August 2002 and would take effect Jan. 1, 2003. If passed by the voters in 2002, the bill requires a second election in 2012 to continue the new tax rates.

To contact your Missouri House representative, call House general information at (573) 751-3659. For bill status, call (573) 751-4633 or visit www.moga.state.mo.us.

4/16/02-The Missouri Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 52 on March 21. SCR52 urges the governor to restrict trucks from Mexico and other foreign nations from entering Missouri until there is full compliance by the owners and drivers of those trucks with all highway safety, environmental and drug enforcement laws.

3-14-02 - For the second time this month, Missouri Senator Ken Jacob (D-Columbia) failed to restrict trucks to 65 mph, a move which would split the speed limit between trucks and four-wheelers.

Although the Senate rejected Jacob's SB946 earlier this month, he tried unsuccessfully March 12 to attach his speed limit provision to SB721, a bill that amends several provisions of law regulating traffic offenses related to all motor vehicles. Jacob's Amendment 7 was defeated by a 22-7 vote.

Senators voting with Jacob for the split speed limit provision were Roseann Bentley (R-Springfield), Patrick Dougherty (D-St. Louis), Michael Gibbons (R-Kirkwood), Ted House (D-St. Charles Co.), John D. Schneider (D-Florissant) and Harry Wiggins, (D-Kansas City).

For information, call the Missouri General Assembly's general information line at (573) 751-3824.

3-13-2002 - The Senate Transportation Committee voted 5-2 against a traffic camera bill Mar. 5. SB1037, sponsored by Sen. Marvin A. Singleton (R-Seneca), would have allowed certain cities to use automatic traffic control systems to document motorists. Using photographic equipment, the city would mail citations to motorists who run red lights. Each citation would cost motorists $50, but no points would be assessed against an individual's driving record.

"I still believe that this is a good idea in the interest of the public safety," Singleton said in his March 7 weekly Senate report. "Even though I am disappointed, I will not give up on this bill. I will continue the effort and try to attach it to another bill."

For bill status, call (573) 751-4633.

3/1/02 - The Missouri Senate has rejected a proposal to raise diesel fuel taxes and trucking fees. Lawmakers cited concerns that some trucking firms would be driven out of the state if the bill became law.

SB946, sponsored by Sen. Ken Jacob (D-Columbia), sought to increase diesel fuel tax from 17 cents to 20 cents, commercial truck registration fees by 30 percent, trip permits from $10 to $14.50 and CDL fees from $40 to $60 annually.

Jacob also sought to lower the speed limit for heavy trucks to 65 mph from 70 mph on rural interstates and freeways. The proposal never received a vote because it was ruled out of order for going beyond the scope of the bill.

2/15/02 - Missouri lawmakers are making more attempts to split speeds by lowering truck speed limits to 65 mph. Two bills, SB774 and SB946, could restrict heavy trucks to 65 mph. Additionally, these bills tap into truckers' pocketbooks with increased fines, increased diesel fuel taxes and higher registration fees.

SB774 could lower the speed limit to 65 mph for trucks more than 24,000 pounds on rural interstate and freeways. It also adds a $50 fine per mile over the limit for truckers who violate the speed limit by more than 5 mph. The last action on the bill was a transportation committee hearing on Jan. 22.

Sen. Ken Jacob (D-Columbia) introduced his own speed bill (SB946) to restrict truck speeds to 65 mph on interstates with a $100 fine for every 5 mph over 65 in addition to all other fines and court costs for the speeding violation, plus a docket fee of $200. SB946 also would increase diesel fuel taxes by repealing the sunset clause of the motor fuel tax and impose an additional 3-cent tax on diesel fuel, making the fuel tax on diesel 20 cents per gallon. Jacob's bill digs even further into truckers' pockets by increasing registration fees 30 percent for beyond-local trucks, raising trip permit fees from $10 to $14.50, and boosting the cost of issuing or renewing a commercial driver's license from $40 to $60 with the fee for a duplicate CDL rising from $20 to $30. The last action on the bill was a Senate transportation committee hearing on Feb. 5. For bill status information, call (573) 751-4633.

1/11/02-Sen. Morris Westfall, of Halfway, has filed a bill to increase the current fuel tax from 17 cents to 22 cents a gallon as well as increase the state sales tax about 0.5 percent to 4.6 percent.

SB915 also would redirect to the state Transportation Department $197 million in fuel and auto sales revenue that currently goes to different agencies for uses other than road construction. The sales tax increase would replace the diverted revenues.

In all, the bill would generate $436 million annually in new transportation funding. If approved by lawmakers, the bill would go to Missouri voters in August. The state recently ranked fourth worst in quality of roads by The Road Information Program.

8-2-01 -- The session ended May 18, 2001. Any bills left unresolved must be reintroduced next session, which begins Jan. 9, 2002. For bill status information, call (573) 751-3824.

7/19/01-The Show-Me State has tightened the belt on drunk drivers. A substitute bill for HB302 and HB38 lowers the blood alcohol content necessary for a conviction of driving with excessive blood alcohol content from 0.10 percent to 0.08, increases penalties and rehabilitative service for repeat alcohol offenders, and requires ignition interlock devices on motor vehicles operated by repeat offenders.

7/20/01-While all eyes watched SB52, Missouri's legislature passed an omnibus bill containing virtually the same construction zone penalties, along with numerous other transportation-related statutes.

SB244, sponsored by Staples, began as an act relating to theft of motor fuel, but evolved into a menagerie of transportation laws.

The new law imposes an additional fine of $250 for speeding or passing in a construction zone if a construction worker is present. The act also requires the state's Department of Transportation to erect signs to warn drivers that a $250 fine will be imposed for speeding or passing in the work zone.

The bill was passed May 18, signed by the Senate President and House Speaker May 29, and signed by the governor July 10. It takes effect Aug. 28, 2001.

SB244 also includes additional transportation-related laws:

a. Prohibiting MoDOT from contracting with private entities to operate truckstops, fueling stations, convenience stores or restaurants near interstate public rest areas;
b. Prohibiting U-turns and other similar maneuvers unless performed at a proper intersection or interchange designated by MoDOT;
c. Prohibiting drivers from driving through a railroad crossing where there is insufficient space to completely drive through it and where the undercarriage of a vehicle might contact the railroad tracks;
d. Establishing one statewide weight formula for bridges and allowing the Highways and Transportation Commission to establish maximum weight and speed limits for certain bridges;
e. Permitting the use of tinted vision-reducing material within certain visibility guidelines on side and rear windows;
f. Requiring persons, who have contracted with transportation property providers, to make scheduled payments within 30 days of delivery of goods if no time is specified in the contract; and
g. Establishing a program to allow for the purchase of biodiesel fuel for state vehicles.

5/14/2001 - At press time, it looks as if the construction zone speed bill (SB52) might pass before the session ends May 18, but it will come down to the wire. The bill would increase the additional penalty for speeding in a construction zone where state construction workers are present. The additional penalty could jump from the current $35 fine to $250.
Additionally, counties may assess a $75 penalty for speeding in a county road construction zone where county construction workers are present. These penalties are in addition to the speeding fine. This bill also increases the allowable width for special permits for vehicles hauling lumber products and earth moving equipment. The maximum width is currently 14 feet wide; the act removes this reference.
The act also establishes one statewide bridge weight structure. Currently, one weight formula applies to primary and interstate highways and another weight formula applies to supplementary highways.
The Senate passed the bill by a 30-1 vote April 30 and referred it to the House. The House Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations Committee passed the bill with a few amendments, but the House is busy with budget bills until the final week of this session. If it doesn't pass before the session ends May 18, the bill must be refiled in the 2002 session.
The general information number for the Missouri Legislature is (573) 751-3824.

4/24/01 - Missouri's Senate voted down an amendment that would have created split speed limits on Missouri highways. The amendment was defeated with a 19-15 vote March 13. Several bills are circulating that would hike taxes and fees to generate money for transportation projects, but there is considerable difference of opinions among state lawmakers on these topics. Additionally, the state's DOT has been heavily criticized for spending too many highway tax dollars on projects other than highway repair and maintenance. Any tax/free hikes approved would have to be approved by voters.
The general information number for the Missouri Legislature is (573) 751-3824. The session ends May 18, 2001.

3/16/01 - Missouri's senate has voted down the amendment that would have created split speed limits on Missouri highways. The amendment was defeated with a 19-15 vote Monday, March 13.
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association's Missouri members rallied together and called their senators to vote against the amendment. Missouri senators voting against split speed limits were:

Roseann Bentley, R-Springfield; Bill I. Foster, R-Poplar Bluff; Peter D. Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau; James L. Mathewson, D-Sedalia; Danny Staples, D-Eminence Harold L. Caskey, D-Butler; Chuck Gross, R-St. Charles; David J. Klarich, R-Clayton Larry Rohrbach, R-California; Sarah Steelman, R-Rolla; John Cauthorn, R-Mexico Sidney B. Johnson, D-Agency; David Klindt, R-Bethany; John T. Russell, R-Lebanon Morris Westfall, R-Halfway; Doyle Childers, R-Reeds Spring; William Patrick Kenney, R-Lee's Summit; John Loudon, R-Ballwin; Marvin A. Singleton, R-Joplin.

SB138 still could reduce truck speed limits by 5 mph, leaving a 5-mile split between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Additionally, the bill would fine drivers, who exceed the speed limit by more than 5 mph, an additional fine of $50 per mile over that limit. The bill is now stalled in committee. The last action was a committee hearing on Jan. 30.
Several bills are still circulating that would hike taxes and fees to generate money for transportation projects, but there is considerable difference of opinions among state lawmakers on these topics. Additionally, the state's DOT has been heavily criticized for spending too many highway tax dollars on projects other than highway repair and maintenance.

2/23/01 - The Missouri state Transportation Committee is reviewing two Senate bills that would increase the state's motor fuel tax.
SB396, sponsored by Sen. John D. Schneider of Florissant, would increase the state motor fuel tax 5 cents and raise registration fees to the consumer price index value for the year 2000. This bill also would repeal the sunset on the motor fuel tax (6 cents), which is set to expire in 2008. In addition, this bill would raise the fees on commercial driver's licenses to the consumer price index for the year 2000. "This bill is so off the mark, so outrageous, that it doesn't even warrant serious discussion," says OOIDA's Todd Spencer.
SB459, sponsored by Sen. Morris Westfall of Halfway, would increase the motor fuel tax by 2 cents beginning Jan. 1, 2003. This act also would repeal the sunset on the motor fuel tax.
The general information number for the Missouri Legislature is (573) 751-3824.

If SB305, introduced by Sen. Ken Jacob, becomes law, truckers may feel like the sky fell on them. They'll be digging deeper in their pockets for a variety of reasons.
The bill contains provisions to raise registration fees across the board. For example, the owner of a truck licensed for 78,000 pounds or more would have to cough up an additional $515.50 in yearly registration fees. Trip permits would go up from $10 to $14.50.
The bill also would raise the tax on diesel fuel (currently 17 cents per gallon) by 3 cents per gallon. (No increase in gasoline taxes is proposed in this bill.) Alternative fuels used on-highway that are currently not taxed would pay half the rate of traditional motor fuels.
Missouri truckers would pay more to obtain or renew their CDLs. The cost, now $40, would jump to $60. If you misplace your license and need a duplicate, the fee would be $30, up from the current $20.
Speed limits did not escape Sen. Jacob's notice either. He wants to lower truck speeds to 65 mph on rural interstates, creating a 5 mph differential. Truckers nailed for more than 70 mph would pay a minimum fine of $1,000.
Another bill recommends raising the tax on diesel fuel. SB286 proposes a 2 cents per gallon increase. In addition, the bill asks for a 1 cent increase in the state sales tax to be used solely for transportation purposes.
SB138 proposes lowering truck speeds on all multi-lane highways by five mph.
The general information number for the Missouri Senate is (573) 751-3824.