Proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the highways and transportation commission to construct toll roads and impose and collect tolls on interstates and four-land roadways

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Louis Riggs

authorizes Missouri to toll interstates and four-lane roads, giving the state constitutional power to fund new or expanded highways through tolls.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#generalassembly #roadsandhighways #transportation #departmentof

Summary of Bill: HJR 194 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HJR 194 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to construct toll roads and to impose and collect tolls on interstates and four-lane (four-land) roadways.

The measure would change the state constitution to grant explicit authority for tolling certain major roadways, potentially providing a funding mechanism for new or expanded highway projects.

Key provisions (as implied by the bill title and nature)

Authorization for toll roads: The Highways and Transportation Commission would have the constitutional authority to designate, construct, and manage toll facilities.

Toll collection on specified roadways: The amendment would allow tolls to be imposed and collected on interstate highways and four-lane roadways within Missouri.

Scope and governance: The bill would define the commission’s role in approving toll projects, setting toll rates, maintaining toll facilities, and overseeing related operations. It may also address process for project approval, public notice, and oversight or limitations on toll rate increases (specifics would be in the full constitutional text and implementing statutes).

Revenue use: While not detailed in the summary, typical provisions would address how toll revenues could be used (e.g., funding construction, maintenance, debt service, and related transportation needs). The exact allocations would be defined in the constitutional language and any accompanying statutes.

Who would be affected

State transportation authority: The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission would gain formal constitutional authority to toll certain roadways.

Road users: Drivers would be subject to toll charges on designated interstates and four-lane roads.

Taxpayers and residents: Potential changes to highway funding dynamics could affect state budgets, transportation planning, and local communities benefiting from new or improved toll facilities.

Local governments and commuters: Regions needing enhanced capacity or maintenance on major corridors could see toll-based projects advance more readily if the amendment enables toll financing.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading: Introduced and read on February 25, 2026.

Second reading: Read on February 26, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Emerging Issues committee (H) on May 15, 2026.

Next steps (typical, not guaranteed): If the committee advances the measure, it would proceed through potential additional readings, floor votes, and, as a constitutional amendment, would typically require approval by the General Assembly and, in Missouri, may require voter ratification in a statewide election before taking effect.

Notes and context

As a joint resolution (HJR), this bill would amend the Missouri Constitution rather than statute. Enactment would depend on approval by the General Assembly and, ultimately, voter approval in a subsequent statewide ballot measure.

The sponsor listed is a co-sponsor: Louis Riggs.

Specifics such as permissible toll rates, project selection criteria, protections for affected communities, privacy and enforcement provisions, and any sunset or renewal terms would be defined in the constitutional amendment text and implementing laws, which are not detailed in the summary provided.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a one-page brief with a section-by-section outline once the full amended constitutional language and fiscal notes are available.