5/31/06-A bill that would have enabled the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges has died. It was contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SB652 remained in the Senate Transportation Committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year.
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.

1/17/06-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
SB652, 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.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-4666. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

12/7/05-Legislation prefiled in the Senate would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
SB652, 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.
The measure is awaiting assignment to a committee. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene the 2006 session Jan. 5.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-2966.