Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri repealing provisions relating to certain transportation funds
Impact
If enacted, the new structure of the transportation funding model could lead to more efficient allocation of funds, as it proposes a re-apportionment of the generated tax revenues from fuel taxes. By removing the previous restrictions and regulations tied to these taxes, HJR137 allows for a reallocation that could better address the needs of both rural and urban areas within Missouri. The proposed changes may particularly benefit counties and cities looking to enhance their local road maintenance and construction efforts by providing them with a more reliable stream of revenue.
Summary
HJR137 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri that seeks to repeal existing provisions related to transportation funding under Sections 30(a) and 30(b) of Article IV. The bill seeks to modify the way transportation-related revenues are collected and distributed, specifically addressing how fuel taxes will be applied and allocated among counties, cities, and the state highways and transportation commission. Essentially, the amendment aims to streamline and redefine the funding mechanisms necessary for maintaining and constructing the state's transportation infrastructure.
Contention
However, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the potential downsides of such drastic changes to the funding structure. Critics argue that repealing existing provisions could undermine the financial support currently provided to local governments for their specific transportation needs, leading to disparities in funding across the state. Additionally, there are concerns about how the changes could affect oversight and accountability on how transportation funds are utilized at both state and local levels.