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.
SJR38, sponsored by Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, remained in the Senate Transportation Committee at the close of the session May 14.

1/15/04-Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, has proposed a constitutional amendment –SJR38 – that would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
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.
SJR38 has been sent to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-3824.
Two similar measures – HJR31 and SJR31 – have also been filed.