6/5/09-An effort died that sought to give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads. The proposed state constitutional amendment – SJR2 – remained in the Senate Transportation Committee when the session ended.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.

1/27/09-A proposed state constitutional amendment – SJR2 – in the Senate Transportation Committee would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
For bill status, call 573-751-4633.

12/12/08-Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, has proposed a state constitutional amendment – SJR2 – that would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
The measure is awaiting assignment to committee for consideration during the session that begins Jan. 7. For bill status, call 573-751-4633.