5/20/05-A bill that would have enabled the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges has died.
SB31, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, remained in the Senate Transportation Committee at the close of the session May 13, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill’s passage into law was contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
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 would still be 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 in its transportation-spending bill.

1/18/05-A bill before the Senate Transportation Committee would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
SB31, sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
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 would still be 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 in its transportation-spending bill expected to pass next year.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-2966.

12/3/04-Legislation filed in the Senate would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
SB31, introduced by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
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 would still be 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 in its transportation-spending bill expected to pass next year.
The measure has yet to be sent to a committee for consideration. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene the 2005 session Jan. 5.
For bill status, call (573) 751-2966.