SB 550 - This act updates several sections of law relating to the operations of the Highway Patrol that are contained in Chapter 43, RSMo. The Highway Patrol was under the direction and authority of the Highway Commission until the early 1940's. This act repeals several superannuated laws that no longer apply to the operations of the highway patrol due to modernization of state government, technology and other statutes and adopted procedures. The act removes the definition of the Highway Commission from Chapter 43, RSMo, since the commission no longer has oversight over the Highway Patrol. The act removes the current statutory requirement for the superintendent of the highway patrol to reside within the city limits of Jefferson City. The act removes the requirement that general headquarters be open at all times and the requirement that a telegraph be available. The act removes the requirement that the highway commission approve all personnel expenses and changes where civil witnesses fees are deposited. The act changes the requirement that the superintendent divide the state into troops instead of districts and removes the requirement that the Highway Patrol send an end of the year fiscal report to the governor and the Highway Commission. The act removes the requirement that the superintendent, major, director of radio and budget personnel be bonded with the Highway Commission. The act changes statutory direction to the highway patrol to deliver those arrested directly to the court, to "their designee," such as an appropriate jail or sheriff.
Similar provisions are contained in SCS/SB 104 (2007).
STEPHEN WITTE