6/5/09-A bill died that would have mandated that drivers put down their hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a hands-free accessory would still have been permitted, such as a Bluetooth receiver.
Sponsored by Rep. Talibdin El-Amin, D-St. Louis, HB92 remained in the House Public Safety Committee when the session ended.
Violators would have faced $20 fines. Repeat offenders would have faced $50 fines.
Exceptions would have been made for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.

1/8/09-Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa, has introduced a bill for consideration during the 2009 session that would impose a surcharge on traffic offense cases filed in the state.
HB161 would create the Missouri Highway Patrol Fuel Fund and require a $5 surcharge be assessed for certain traffic offense cases. Revenues would be used solely for fleet vehicle fuel costs of the State Highway Patrol.
For bill status, call 573-751-4633.