5/17/04-A proposal that called for an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to give the state Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads has died.
SJR31, sponsored by Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, remained in the Senate Transportation Committee at the close of the session May 14.

1/15/04-SJR31 would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
The proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, has been forwarded to the Senate Transportation Committee.
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.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-3824.

12/18/03-Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, has filed a proposed constitutional amendment – SJR31 – that would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
The issue is expected to be a priority during the legislative session that starts Jan. 7.
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 measure – HJR31 – also has been filed.