HCS SCS SB 961 -- MOTOR CARRIERS

SPONSOR:  Ridgeway (St. Onge)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Transportation by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute makes an indemnity agreement in a motor carrier
transportation contract void and unenforceable if it purports to
indemnify a party against loss from negligence or intentional
acts.  A motor carrier transportation contract cannot include the
Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement
administered by the Intermodal Association of North America or
other agreements providing for the interchange, use, or
possession of intermodal chassis or other intermodal equipment.

A common carrier of household goods is allowed to file an
application with the Highways and Transportation Commission for
the approval of rates which reflect increases and decreases in
the carrier's costs.  The filing of the applications will be
governed by similar rules that govern rate adjustments requested
by electrical, gas, or water companies.  Beginning January 1,
2007, the substitute repeals the exemption that allows household
goods carriers to operate wholly in municipalities, between
contiguous municipalities, or in commercial zones without
obtaining operating authority from the Department of
Transportation.  Currently, household goods carriers are exempt
from the rules and regulations of Chapter 390, RSMo, if their
operations are restricted to those specific areas.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many states are adopting similar
indemnity agreement language.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Ridgeway; and Missouri Motor
Carriers Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:46 am