Missouri House Bill HB2566

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Transfers the control and maintenance of certain low-traffic state highways to the county commission in which the state highway is located

Impact

The enactment of HB2566 will impact state laws related to highway management and maintenance by decentralizing control for certain state highways. By transferring responsibilities to county commissions, the bill effectively allows for localized decision-making in the management of these highways. This shift may lead to changes in how resources are allocated for highway maintenance and could improve responsiveness to local needs and conditions, as counties may customize their approach based on specific traffic patterns and community requirements.

Summary

House Bill 2566 proposes to amend Chapter 227 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section, Section 227.293. This legislation aims to transfer the control and maintenance of state highways that have an annual average daily traffic count of less than 200 vehicles, based on the last annual determination by the department of transportation, to the respective county commission where the highway is located. The proposed change signifies a potential shift in how local government bodies manage low-traffic roadways, emphasizing local oversight and accountability.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance local control, it may also raise concerns regarding the preparedness and capability of county commissions to effectively manage state highways. There could be contention surrounding the adequacy of funding and resources allocated to counties for maintaining these highways. Critics may argue that this transfer could lead to inconsistent maintenance standards and potential safety issues on roads with low traffic counts, which are now under local authority. Supporters, however, may assert that local oversight can lead to more efficient and tailored management of these roads.