Missouri Senate Bill SJR55

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/29/22

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to expenses of the Department of Transportation

Impact

The modifications brought forth by SJR55 are significant as they will enhance local control over transportation funding. By stipulating that all funds collected from the fuel tax must be devoted solely to transportation projects, the bill intends to create a more accountable and direct funding mechanism for local governments. This marks a departure from past practices and is poised to affect how localities budget and manage their transportation infrastructure effectively, reducing the potential for misallocation of funds for unrelated expenses.

Summary

SJR55 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri, specifically to Section 30(a) of Article IV, which governs the collection and distribution of taxes on fuel used for propelling highway motor vehicles. The bill aims to repeal the current regulations and replace them with new stipulations that focus on the prudent use of tax revenues specifically for road-related expenditures. This includes mandates for counties, cities, towns, and also highlights specific uses for the generated revenue such as road construction, maintenance, and improvements, thereby ensuring that all proceeds are allocated for transportation infrastructure purposes.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions, there are notable points of contention. Critics regarding SJR55 may raise concerns about the implications for local governments’ flexibility in managing their budgets and expenditures. The requirement for voter approval on any additional taxes or fees related to fuel may create a barrier to timely funding options for local transportation projects. Additionally, there are apprehensions that purely allocating revenues without considering operational costs could hinder comprehensive and sustainable transportation planning across regions.