Missouri House Bill HJR46

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

Proposes a constitutional amendment to grant the legislature the authority to veto department of transportation spending plans

Impact

If approved, this amendment would substantially alter the current framework of transportation funding oversight by placing legislative authority directly over spending plans that previously could be set by transportation departments. Advocates of HJR46 argue that this change is necessary to enhance transparency and accountability regarding how transportation funds are allocated and spent. It could lead to more legislative scrutiny of transportation expenditures and potentially alter the priorities of funding allocations depending on political considerations.

Summary

HJR46 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant the Missouri General Assembly the authority to veto any department of transportation spending plans. Specifically, it aims to enable the legislature to exercise its veto power over plans such as the statewide transportation improvement program (STIP). The resolution is set to be submitted to qualified voters in Missouri for adoption or rejection at the next general election, scheduled for November 2026, or at a special election if called by the governor.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HJR46. Critics may argue that the inclusion of legislative veto power could complicate project approval processes, potentially delaying crucial transportation projects that require timely funding decisions. Additionally, there is concern that such a veto might be used for partisan purposes, where transportation plans favored by one political party could be vetoed by the opposing party. The debate will likely center on the balance between legislative oversight and the operational autonomy of the department of transportation.