SJR 106 - Current constitutional provisions place the Department of Transportation and the management of the state highway system under the control of the State Highways and Transportation Commission. This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, places such control under the Department of Transportation, which shall be lead by a director appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The amendment also provides that the Highways and Transportation Commission shall be an advisory body within the Department, provided that the General Assembly may at any time abolish the Commission. All duties and powers given to the Commission as of the effective date of the amendment shall be transferred to the Department. The constitution also currently provides that the net proceeds of the motor fuel tax shall stand appropriated to the counties, municipalities, and the Commission. This amendment provides that the net proceeds allocable to the Commission shall be appropriated by the General Assembly to the Department. This amendment is similar to SJR 2 (2025), HJR 32 (2025), HJR 45 (2025), and HJR 109 (2024). TAYLOR MIDDLETON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Schroer

Missouri SJR 106 would amend the constitution to consolidate state highway system authority under the Department of Transportation, centralizing governance and management decisions.

Second Read and Referred S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee

Legislative bill overview

SJR 106 proposes a constitutional amendment that would transfer management authority of Missouri's state highway system from its current governing structure to the Department of Transportation. This is a joint resolution, meaning it requires legislative approval and likely voter ratification to amend the state constitution. The bill is currently in early stages, having just completed its first reading in the Senate.

Why is this important

This change would consolidate highway system governance under a single state department, potentially streamlining decision-making and funding processes. The transfer could affect how highway maintenance, construction projects, and transportation policy are prioritized and implemented across Missouri, impacting both infrastructure quality and how transportation budgets are allocated.

Potential points of contention

Current authority structure: Questions about which entity currently controls the highways and whether consolidation improves or reduces accountability and efficiency

Local vs. state control: Concerns about whether centralized DOT authority adequately serves rural or less-populated regions versus urban centers

Budget and prioritization: Disputes over how DOT management might change funding allocation, toll policies, or maintenance standards compared to the existing system