Legislation Relating to Red Dye Diesel Fuel
Inspections Signed by Governor

JEFFERSON CITY— Legislation sponsored by Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, was signed into law today (6-30) by the governor. Senate Bill 842 limits the inspection of diesel fuel coloration for tanks holding the fuel of wholesale or retail sale.

“I am proud of the work done this session by the Senate and the Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee,” said Sen. Parson. “Our investigation discovered several instances of excessive fines and government officials pulling samples from private property, which are clear cases of abuse of power. Now Missourians have a little more protection from the Missouri Department of Revenue’s fuel tax enforcement program.”

Current law states that diesel fuel used in farm and construction equipment is not subject to state or federal highway tax. To ensure compliance, a red dye is added as means of identification. Acting on several requests by Missourians, lawmakers discovered several instances of overreaches and excessive fines levied for violations involving only a few gallons of the dyed diesel fuel. The new law will go into effect on Aug. 28, 2014.

For more information on Sen. Parson’s sponsored legislation, visit his official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/parson.