HB 3365 prevents local governments (cities or counties) from creating rules that specifically target fully autonomous vehicles, such as charging special taxes, fees, or performance standards for them. The bill directly affects local authorities by prohibiting them from enacting ordinances that would apply only to self-driving vehicles or automated driving systems. It establishes a statewide standard to avoid conflicting local regulations, ensuring autonomous vehicle operations face consistent rules across the state. This bill is currently in its early legislative stage, having been introduced in February 2026.
HB 3456 allows utility companies - including investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, and municipal utilities - to install and maintain electric transmission facilities (like high-voltage lines) within highway rights-of-way, subject to safety and engineering standards. It requires Missouri’s Public Service Commission and Department of Transportation to create uniform rules for approving these installations, ensuring public safety, avoiding duplicated corridors, and setting reasonable conditions for construction and maintenance. The bill directly affects utility providers seeking to expand infrastructure along highways and state agencies responsible for transportation and utility regulation. This changes how utilities access highway corridors, streamlining approvals while prioritizing safety and efficient land use.
HB 3538 establishes a "Motor Fuel Tax Fund of 2021" by setting tiered taxes on various fuels used in vehicles. It imposes rates like 17 cents per gallon for regular gasoline, 5-17 cents per gallon equivalent for natural gas/propane (increasing over time), and a supplemental tax rising from 2.5 cents to 12.5 cents per gallon starting in 2021. The revenue from these taxes flows into the fund, which must be used for state road and bridge projects. Businesses that qualify (e.g., commercial fleets using fuel for non-highway purposes) can claim refunds by submitting documentation annually, with refunds paid from the fund.
HB 3220 modifies learner's permit rules for drivers under 16. It requires applicants to complete 40 hours of supervised driving (including 10 nighttime hours) with parental permission, and mandates accompaniment by a licensed adult aged 21+ (or specific alternatives like instructors or designated relatives). The bill also requires a "PERMIT DRIVER" sticker on vehicles and verifies U.S. residency for permit applicants. These changes directly affect teen drivers and their supervising adults, focusing on structured training and safety compliance.
HJR 192 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific highway-related revenues to a new "state road fund" for transportation projects. It would require that 73% of the state sales tax on motor vehicles, trailers, and related fuels - after deducting collection costs - be deposited directly into this fund, with the remainder distributed to counties, cities, and a separate transportation fund. The fund must be used exclusively for state highway construction, maintenance, bond payments, and reimbursing counties for roads later adopted into the state system. This change would bypass annual legislative appropriations for these purposes, directly affecting Missouri's highway system, county road costs, and the state highways commission's budget authority.
HB 3249 extends Missouri's existing tax exemption for jet fuel used by airlines in interstate air travel until 2043, replacing a previous expiration date of 2033. The exemption allows airlines to avoid paying state sales and use taxes on jet fuel, provided they have already paid up to $1.5 million in such taxes during a calendar year. Airlines must provide a written certificate to fuel sellers to claim the exemption and may use a direct payment agreement with the state revenue department to manage tax obligations. This change ensures continued tax relief for airlines operating in Missouri's aviation sector without altering the current $1.5 million annual cap on taxable fuel.
HB 3317 allows drivers facing license revocation for accumulating points (specifically when at least 40% of points come from speeding offenses) to instead install a certified intelligent speed assistance device in their vehicle. This device must be maintained for at least 12 months after reinstatement, avoiding the need for license revocation. The bill directly affects drivers whose license would otherwise be revoked under point accumulation rules, offering a technological alternative to traditional suspension. It does not change point accumulation rules but provides a new reinstatement pathway through device installation. The device must be certified and functional, with failure to maintain it leading to continued license restrictions.
SB 1744 sets a maximum train length of 8,500 feet for all trains operating on main tracks or branch lines within Missouri. It directly affects railroad companies operating in the state by requiring compliance with this length limit. The bill grants the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) authority to create rules for measuring trains, granting route-specific exemptions, and imposing penalties for violations. MoDOT’s rules must follow standard state rulemaking procedures under Chapter 536, and any rules adopted after August 2026 would be void if related constitutional provisions are invalidated.
HB 3462 requires railroad carriers operating freight trains or light engines to use a minimum of two qualified crew members during movement. This directly affects railroads transporting freight, with exceptions for helper services (assisting trains with mechanical issues), hostler services (moving locomotives within yards), and slow-speed loading/unloading (under 10 mph). Violations carry escalating fines: up to $1,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offenses. The law explicitly states it won’t override federal crew rules, and enforcement will be handled by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The bill’s effective date depends on federal court validation of similar national regulations.
HB 3415 would allow cities, counties, and other local governments to create ordinances prohibiting handheld use of electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) while driving regular or commercial vehicles on public roads. The bill specifically bans holding devices, texting, making calls, watching videos, or manually entering data, but exempts hands-free use, emergency communications, navigation systems, and school bus operations under certain conditions. Violations would result in fines up to $500, increasing with prior offenses or if occurring in school/work zones. This bill directly affects drivers and local governments, giving communities authority to enforce device-free driving policies.
