SB 313 - This act increases various penalties for offenses occurring within highway work zones or construction zones. Under this act, any person convicted of a second or subsequent moving violation within a work zone shall be assessed a fine of $75. The act provides that a person who is convicted of speeding or passing a vehicle within a work zone when a highway worker is present a second or subsequent time shall be assessed a fine of $300 in addition to any other fine authorized by law. The act also creates the crime of "endangerment of a highway worker". A person convicted of this crime shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if no injury results from the offense. If a highway worker is injured the offender shall be guilty of a Class D felony. If a death of a highway worker results from the commission of the crime, the offender shall be guilty of a Class C felony. A person commits this crime if the motorist:
(1) Exceeds the posted speed limit by 25 mph or more;
(2) Fails to stop for a work zone flagman or fails to obey traffic control signals erected in the work zone;
(3) Drives through or around the work zone by any lane not clearly designated for such purpose;
(4) Physically assaults or attempts to assault a highway worker with a motor vehicle or other deadly weapon;
(5) Intentionally strikes or moves barrels, barriers, signs or other devices erected to control the flow of traffic; or
(6) Commits various offenses in which points may be assessed under Section 302.302, RSMo.
STEPHEN WITTE