Missouri House Bill HJR109

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Proposes a constitutional amendment dissolving the authority of the highways and transportation commission and granting authority to the department of transportation

Impact

If enacted, HJR109 would significantly affect the governance of transportation in the state by centralizing authority under the department of transportation. This shift is expected to lead to more coordinated planning and execution of transportation projects, potentially resulting in faster project completion and improved efficiency in allocating resources. Additionally, the amendment may facilitate a more responsive approach to addressing transportation needs and infrastructure challenges across the state, thereby enhancing service delivery.

Summary

HJR109 is a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to restructure the authority governing transportation within the state. Specifically, it seeks to dissolve the current authority of the highways and transportation commission and transfer that authority to the department of transportation. This fundamental change is intended to streamline decision-making processes related to state transportation projects and improve the overall management of infrastructure within the state.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of HJR109, there are notable points of contention surrounding the amendment. Critics argue that dissolving the highways and transportation commission could lead to a loss of specialized oversight and independent decision-making in transportation matters. There are concerns that the department of transportation may be overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities, which could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies instead of the intended improvements. Moreover, stakeholders fear that this centralization may neglect rural areas or specific local needs in transportation planning and funding.