- Introduced -

SB 1196 - This act changes various provisions of law concerning traffic regulations.

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX - Under current law (Section 137.298, RSMo), cities are able to include a surcharge on personal property tax bills for outstanding parking violations. This act enables cities and counties to use their personal property tax systems to collect delinquent vehicle-related fees and fines. No personal property tax bill shall be considered paid until these fines are paid in full.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION SUSPENSION - Under the current law, the Department of Revenue cannot issue or renew a registration motor vehicle license if the registered owner has failed to pay delinquent state and county personal property taxes. Under this act, the Department of Revenue would be prohibited from issuing or renewing a registration license if the registered owner owes delinquent traffic violation fines, parking violation fines and any other vehicle-related fees or fines. This prohibition would apply to all motor vehicles owned by the liable party. Under this act, a city or county may notify a motorist, after his or her fourth outstanding violation that if the motorist does not pay his or her traffic fines within 30 days, the Department of Revenue will be authorized to suspend the motorist's vehicle registration. The act provides for notification and an appeals process to contest the fines and fees (Section 301.026, RSMo).

DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSION - Under current law, the Department of Revenue is required to suspend a person's driving privileges if the person fails to pay outstanding traffic violations or fails to appear in court to contest those charges. Under this act, a person's driving privileges would be suspended if the person has failed to pay vehicle-related revenues, parking violation fines, towing and vehicle immobilization fees and any late payment penalties and court costs associated with the adjudication or collection of those fines (Section 302.341, RSMo).

STEPHEN WITTE