5/17/04-A bill that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges in the state has died.
HB857, sponsored by Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston, remained in the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee at the close of the session May 14.
It was contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to give the commission the authority to build and operate toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.

1/21/04-A bill that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges has been sent to the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee.
HB857, sponsored by Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston, is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment.
The Missouri Constitution currently doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
For House bill status, call (573) 751-4043.
Two similar bills – SB855 and SB958 – are in the Senate Transportation Committee.

12/18/03-Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston, has filed legislation in the House that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
The issue is expected to be a priority during the legislative session that starts Jan. 7.
HB857 is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment.
The Missouri Constitution currently doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
Congress is considering eliminating the restriction as it finalizes its transportation-spending bill.
A similar bill – SB855 – has been filed in the Senate.