HB 3491 requires foreign applicants for commercial driver's licenses to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. It directly affects non-U.S. citizen commercial drivers seeking or holding licenses in this state. Violations result in fines ($1,000 for drivers, $3,000 for carriers) and misdemeanor charges (class D for first offense, class B for repeat offenses), with drivers prohibited from operating commercial vehicles until meeting language standards. The bill also mandates verifying lawful U.S. presence before issuing licenses, effective July 1, 2005, as part of compliance with federal laws.
HB 3318 requires drivers to stop at railroad crossings whenever any on-track equipment (such as maintenance vehicles) is present, not just when trains are approaching. This expands existing safety rules that already mandate stops for trains, adding clear language to cover all moving equipment on the tracks. Drivers must stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail and wait until it's safe to proceed, applying to scenarios like warning signals, lowered gates, or visible approaching equipment. The bill directly affects all drivers passing railroad crossings, with penalties for violations including a class C misdemeanor. It does not change other existing crossing rules, such as stopping for insufficient clearance or commercial vehicle speed requirements.
SB 1646 reorganizes how Missouri municipalities must use tourism tax revenues. It requires 75% of collected taxes to fund tourism infrastructure (like roads, parks, and facilities for events), while 25% must support tourism marketing and promotion. Any existing tourism bonds issued before 1997 can be paid down using a portion of the 75% infrastructure allocation. Municipalities must also obtain voter approval before implementing these taxes or using them to retire debt.
HJR 194 is a proposed constitutional amendment in Missouri that would authorize the highways and transportation commission to build toll roads on interstates and four-lane roadways, directly affecting drivers who use these routes. The bill specifies that toll revenue must be deposited into a dedicated "state road fund" to pay for highway bonds, maintain roads, and fund construction projects like widening highways or connecting state parks. It would also require that tolls collected only at entrances to these roads, with rates needing legislative approval. This amendment is currently pending in the Missouri legislature and would change how transportation funding is managed if adopted.
HB 3388 requires drivers and front-seat passengers in most passenger vehicles (cars under 10 seats, excluding motorcycles and heavy trucks) to wear seat belts, but prohibits police from stopping vehicles solely to check compliance. Violations carry a $10 fine with no points or court costs, and the law limits how seat belt non-use affects injury lawsuits - requiring expert proof that non-use contributed to injuries before reducing damages by up to 1%. Exemptions include USPS workers, agricultural workers, people with medical reasons, and children under 16 (who follow separate rules). The bill also mandates a public education program on seat belt use and safety compliance.
SB 1685 extends Missouri's sales tax exemption for aviation jet fuel used by interstate airlines, allowing carriers to avoid paying state sales tax on qualifying fuel purchases up to $1.5 million annually. This exemption directly affects commercial airlines transporting passengers and cargo across state lines, with tax revenues from the exemption directed to the aviation trust fund (capped at $10 million yearly). The bill updates the expiration date of this existing policy from 2033 to December 31, 2043, maintaining the same annual tax cap and refund mechanisms for overpayments. The change provides continued tax relief for the aviation industry without altering the exemption's core structure.
HB 3408 creates a special designation called "Missouri Rock Island Trail Communities" for municipalities along the Rock Island Trail corridor. It specifically names the cities of Bland and Belle as the initial designated communities, with future municipalities along the trail potentially receiving the title through legislative action. The bill establishes this designation to support outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and economic development in those areas. Crucially, it explicitly states no state funds will be required for this designation.
HB 3349 requires railroad trains or light engines moving freight to operate with at least two qualified crew members, excluding helper services (assisting trains), hostler services (yard locomotive movements), or slow-speed loading/unloading (under 10 mph). Violations incur escalating fines: $1,500 for a first offense, up to $10,000 for third or subsequent offenses. The Missouri Department of Transportation enforces the rule, but the law only becomes effective after Missouri's attorney general confirms federal courts have validated the Federal Railroad Administration's two-person crew standard.
SB 1754 - Office of Administration OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION . Governor Senate GR $ 393,349,161 $ 351,359,274 FEDERAL 144,050,144 144,050,144 OTHER 194,320,299 186,120,299 . _____________ _____________ TOTAL $ 731,719,604 $ 681,529,717 . House Final GR $ FEDERAL OTHER . _____________ _____________ TOTAL $ EMPLOYEE BENEFITS . Governor Senate GR $1,046,388,376 $1,088,281,376 FEDERAL 349,665,859 354,422,859 OTHER 355,137,528 355,137,528 . _____________ _____________ TOTAL $1,751,191,763 $1,797,841,763 . House Final GR $ FEDERAL OTHER . _____________ _____________ TOTAL $ ADAM KOENIGSFELD
SB 1677, known as "Calvin's Law," requires motorcycle operators to ensure children under 10 years old riding as passengers have both feet on foot pegs and use a proper passenger seat (with medical exemption available), while also mandating protective headgear for all child passengers under 10. It affects motorcycle operators transporting young passengers, with penalties including fines up to $100 for violations involving children under 10. The law also specifies that headgear violations for children under 10 carry a $100 maximum fine (compared to $25 for others), with no court costs or license points for headgear non-compliance. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.