Missouri House Bill HJR32

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Proposes a constitutional amendment that transfers authority over the department of transportation from the highways and transportation commission to the governor

Impact

If enacted, this joint resolution would fundamentally alter state laws by modifying the organizational structure overseeing transportation. The new provisions are designed to give the governor greater oversight and authority over the Missouri Department of Transportation, thereby potentially expediting responses to transportation issues and improving the allocation of resources for highway maintenance and improvement initiatives. Furthermore, the resolution is set to clarify the roles and responsibilities of state officials and ensure that the department operates with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

Summary

HJR32 proposes significant changes to the governance of transportation in Missouri by repealing various sections of the state constitution and replacing them with new provisions that shift authority from the Highways and Transportation Commission to the governor. The resolution aims to streamline decision-making processes regarding the state's transportation systems, including highways, mass transit, and other transportation facilities. This shift is positioned as a move to enhance efficiency in transportation policy administration within the state.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HJR32 has met with mixed reactions from legislators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that centralizing authority under the governor will lead to faster and more coherent policy responses to transportation challenges. On the other hand, critics are concerned that this shift could minimize public input and diminish the role of local governments in transportation planning. There are serious apprehensions that concentrating power may lead to decisions that favor wider state interests over localized needs, particularly in rural communities that may depend heavily on state-funded transportation solutions.