HB 2240 requires that autonomous vehicles operating on public roads must have a licensed human operator physically present who can actively control the vehicle at all times. It defines "autonomous technology" as systems enabling full driverless operation (excluding basic safety features like adaptive cruise control), and mandates that autonomous vehicles meet all state and federal safety standards before registration. The bill prohibits autonomous vehicles from transporting goods or passengers commercially (e.g., for delivery or ridesharing) unless a human operator is present and licensed to intervene. This directly affects autonomous vehicle owners, manufacturers, and operators by imposing operational safety requirements and restricting commercial use until human oversight is guaranteed.
HB 1695 revises Missouri's motor vehicle registration requirements, replacing outdated sections with new provisions. It requires vehicle owners to submit specific details (like VIN, manufacturer, and odometer readings) when registering, with special rules for vehicles under 10 years old and 150,000 miles: the director of revenue must retain odometer data for 10 years for business-use vehicles and certain other non-commercial vehicles. The bill also adds detailed procedures for reconstructed, salvage, or specially constructed vehicles, including documentation and examination requirements. Optional $1 donations to blindness education, organ donor, or Missouri Medal of Honor funds may be made during registration, but are not required. This primarily affects vehicle owners, dealers, and insurers handling registration or salvage claims.
HJR 134 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current highways and transportation commission with the Department of Transportation (DOT) as the sole authority for managing all state transportation systems, including highways, aviation, rail, and ports. The bill revises how fuel tax revenue is distributed, directing 10% to counties for road maintenance (with specific formulas), 15% to cities/towns for streets and roads, and the remainder to the state road fund. It also prohibits local governments from imposing new transportation taxes without voter approval, requiring a two-thirds vote in cities/towns. This change directly affects state transportation governance, local funding allocations, and future local tax policies related to roads and infrastructure.
HB 2359, nicknamed "Felicity's Law," requires ice cream trucks to install specific safety equipment to protect children. It mandates front passenger mirrors, audible backup alarms, rear visibility systems (like mirrors, sensors, or cameras), and front obstacle detection systems. The bill also requires rear-facing signage at least one square foot in size stating "Caution" or "Watch for Children." This applies to all vehicles selling ready-to-eat frozen desserts, and the bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first time).
SJR 106 transfers oversight of the state highway system from its current managing body to the Department of Transportation. This change directly affects all drivers, transportation infrastructure, and state highway maintenance operations. The bill’s key mechanism is a simple transfer of administrative authority, consolidating highway management under one agency. It does not alter highway funding, design standards, or public access. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on reassigning responsibility without introducing new policy requirements.
HB 2429 requires cities, towns, villages, and Missouri's Department of Transportation to reimburse non-rate-regulated utility providers - including broadband companies, telecom providers, and cable operators - for costs incurred when road maintenance or construction projects require relocating their facilities. Municipalities must include these relocation costs as part of the project budget rather than charging the utilities directly. The law specifically applies to utilities not subject to state rate regulation, such as internet service providers and cable operators. This policy shifts the financial responsibility for facility relocations from private utilities to public infrastructure projects.
SB 1252 would classify vehicles operated by canine search and rescue teams as emergency vehicles. This change directly affects these teams and their operations during emergencies. The bill's key provision would allow these vehicles to use emergency lights and sirens and receive traffic priority, similar to police or fire vehicles. This policy change aims to improve response times for search and rescue missions involving canines.
HB 2474 revises Missouri's design-build contract rules, primarily affecting local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) that build public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The bill defines key terms like "design-build contract" and "design criteria package" to standardize the process, requiring political subdivisions to create detailed project specifications before soliciting bids. It establishes a role for a licensed "design criteria consultant" to help develop these specifications without being allowed to bid on the project. These changes clarify how local governments select contractors for design-build projects while ensuring clear project requirements are set upfront.
HB 1753 requires Missouri driver's license applicants needing a road skills test to complete a free, 5-hour online road safety course before taking the test. The course covers distracted driving hazards, crash prevention, safe driving habits, and traffic stop procedures. Applicants must finish this course by January 1, 2028, when the Department of Public Safety must develop or accredit it, with fees up to $20 collected after completion to fund a dedicated Driver Safety Education Fund. This applies to standard license applicants but excludes commercial license seekers and waives the requirement for those with high school driver's education certification.
HB 1741 regulates nonconsensual towing of commercial vehicles (those over 10,000 pounds) in Missouri. It requires the Department of Transportation to establish procedures for handling complaints from owners, operators, or insurers about unfair towing practices, including detailed invoice requirements and a disciplinary system for violating towing companies. Key provisions ban per-pound charging, stop storage fees once a complaint is filed, prohibit liens on vehicles/cargo from nonconsensual tows, and mandate towing companies provide access for property retrieval or accident investigations. The bill directly affects commercial vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies handling roadside recoveries.
