7/21/03-Gov. Holden signed a bill July 5 giving lawmakers a greater say in who gets appointed to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
HB668 creates an outside inspector general to “detect and prevent fraud, waste and abuse” in the state Transportation Department.
Under the new law, House and Senate leaders would submit nominees to the governor, from which he could choose one to fill a vacancy on the six-member commission. The nominee would then face confirmation by the Senate.
Previously, the governor selected nominees who were confirmed by the Senate.
The inspector general created by the law will be outside the department, working for lawmakers. The inspector general could field citizen complaints and start investigations.

4/4/03-The Missouri House overwhelmingly backed a bill April 3 that would give lawmakers a greater say in who gets appointed to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
The bill, which won approval 151-3, would also create an outside inspector general to "detect and prevent fraud, waste and abuse*quot; in the state Transportation Department.
Under HB668, House and Senate leaders would submit nominees to the governor, from which he could choose one to fill a vacancy on the six-member commission. The nominee would then face confirmation by the Senate.
Currently, the governor selects nominees who are confirmed by the Senate.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Larry Crawford, R-Centertown, said the inspector general that would be created by the bill would be outside the department, working for lawmakers. The inspector general could field citizen complaints and start investigations.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, which on April 1 approved similar legislation - SB481. For House bill status, call (573) 751-4043.