HJR 57 -- Transportation Funding

Sponsor:  Koller

This proposed constitutional amendment raises the motor fuel tax,
beginning January 1, 2003, by three cents per gallon.  The motor
fuel tax increase will terminate on December 31, 2012, unless
renewed by voters.

The cost of collecting the various taxes imposed by this
resolution after June 30, 2003, will be limited to 3% of the
amount collected.  The proceeds to counties and cities from
voter-approved fuel tax increases after November 8, 1990, will
not be considered an expense of the state government in regards
to Hancock limitations.

The resolution prohibits the diversion of state road funds to
other state agencies, and the amount of user fees used to pay the
cost of the Highway Patrol is phased out.  After June 30, 2007,
no amount will be appropriated from highway user fees and taxes
for administering and enforcing state motor vehicle laws.  The
cost of maintaining the highway-related activities of the
Department of Transportation (workers' compensation and
retirement) is not deducted before the user fees and taxes are
deposited in the State Road Fund.

The distribution formula of the motor vehicle sales tax is
altered.  The State Road Fund will receive an additional 1% (from
74% to 75%) by eliminating the 1% the State Transportation Fund
currently receives from the sales tax on motor vehicles.

Beginning July 1, 2003, the current 50% of the sales tax on motor
vehicle which currently goes to general revenue will be deposited
in the State Highway Patrol Fund to pay for the Patrol's
expenses.  The amounts the fund receives are phased in over
several years.  After June 30, 2007, the fund will receive all
the proceeds.  The fund will only be used for State Highway
Patrol purposes.  The fund is subject to the appropriation
process.

Beginning January 1, 2003, an additional 0.75% general sales and
use tax and sales tax on new and used motor vehicles will be
imposed without action of the General Assembly.

Revenues from the increase in the sales tax will be distributed
as follows:

(1)  78.5% to the State Road Fund;

(2)  16.5% to the State Transportation Fund;

(3)  2.5% to County Aid Road Trust Fund; and

(4)  2.5% to cities, town, and villages.

The additional general sales and use tax and the tax on the sales
of motor vehicles will terminate December 31, 2012, unless
renewed by voter approval.

The additional revenue credited to the State Transportation Fund
will be used for:

(1)  Public transportation;

(2)  Personnel and facility benefits; and

(3)  Other purposes and contingencies relating to the
construction and maintenance of state transportation programs and
systems, other than for highway purposes, as deemed necessary, by
the Highways and Transportation Commission.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:03 am