SB 672 Missouri Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the "Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act" pertaining to wrong-way vehicle detection systems

SB 672, also known as the "Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act," pertains to wrong-way vehicle detection systems. The provided information indicates the bill's focus is on this topic, but it does not detail the specific mechanisms or provisions, such as whether it mandates their installation, funds research, or outlines operational standards. Therefore, the direct impact and key mechanisms are not specified in the given abstract.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 3, 2025 Last action Apr 22, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Senate Committee Substitute - Committee Version · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised by the Senate Committee to change how wrong-way vehicle detection systems are implemented and reported. Key changes include updating the definition of the detection system, modifying which interchanges are prioritized for installation, and altering the requirements for notifying emergency responders and the public. These changes reflect a shift in strategy from a more comprehensive initial plan to a more targeted approach with updated reporting requirements.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed regarding which interchanges are prioritized for installation, changing from 'high-risk' to 'increased wrong-way driving incidents as identified by the department through crash and traffic data analysis.'

DEFINITION

The definition of a wrong-way vehicle detection system was changed from including 'radar sensors and thermal cameras' to just 'equipment for wrong-way vehicle detection' without specifying the technology.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement to notify emergency responders was changed from automatic notification upon detection to evaluating the feasibility of such a notification system.

The requirement for a statewide educational campaign was changed to providing educational information to inform drivers about wrong-way driving risks and safety measures.

The requirement to integrate systems with dynamic message signs to display warnings to other drivers was removed entirely.

TIMELINE

The reporting requirement was changed from submitting to the general assembly and presenting to the joint committee to simply producing a report, with the presentation requirement removed.

SCOPE

The prioritization criteria for installing detection systems was changed from 'high-risk highway interchanges' to 'interchanges with increased wrong-way driving incidents as identified by the department through crash and traffic data analysis'.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 22, 2025

Upper · Passed

SCS Voted Do Pass S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee (2657S.02C)

upper

Apr 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Hearing Conducted S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors