HCS SS SB 244 -- MOTOR VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

SPONSOR:  Staples (Koller)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Transportation by a vote of 20 to 0.

Under this substitute, a person who has been convicted of
stealing gas from a gas station will have his or her driver's
license suspended.  The person's first suspension will be for a
period of 60 days, the second suspension will be for 90 days,
and the third and subsequent suspensions will be for a period of
180 days.  An individual will have to pay $25 to have a license
reinstated after the suspension period.

The substitute requires persons who have entered into contracts
with transportation property providers to make scheduled
payments within 30 days of delivery of goods.  Any person who is
not paid within the time period may bring an action in court.

Manufacturers of construction and outdoor power equipment will
be required to reimburse retailers of such equipment who provide
warranty work at an hourly labor rate that is the same or
greater than the rate for nonwarranty repair work.

The substitute prohibits anyone from driving through a railroad
crossing when there is not sufficient space to drive completely
through the crossing or from driving through a crossing unless a
vehicle has sufficient undercarriage clearance necessary to
prevent the undercarriage of the vehicle from contacting the
railroad crossing.

Sheltered workshops will be included in the definition of
"political subdivision" for the purpose of licensing vehicles.

The substitute also requires that, in addition to any other fine
authorized to be imposed by law, a $250 fine may be imposed on
any person convicted of speeding in a posted construction zone
while workers are present.  The Department of Transportation is
to erect signs around a construction or work zone which are
clearly visible from the highway and which state the following
message:  "Warning:  $250 fine for speeding in this work zone."

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to Highway Funds of $100,000 in
FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that stealing of gas is a problem in
the state.  Many rural stations operate on a very small profit
margin and do not have or cannot afford extra personnel or have
cameras installed.  Supporters also say many truckers are having
a hard time collecting money owed to them.  Many truckers accept
loads through a broker which could be located anywhere in the
country.

Testifying for the bill were Senators Staples and Mathewson;
Cole County Prosecutor; and Casey's General Stores.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:47 am