From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org

JEFFERSON CITY - Missourians would have to pay more at the licensing offices if lawmakers override the governor’s veto of a license fee bill. 

The bill would double the license cost from $2.50 to $5 and from $5 to $10 for a six-year license. The plate renewal fee would increase from $3.50 to $5 for a one-year renewal and from $7 to $10 for a two-year renewal. The vehicle title application fee would also double.

In his veto letter, Gov. Jay Nixon wrote he doesn’t want to add to the $31 million Missouri drivers already paid last fiscal year without any government reciprocation.

“Missourians should not have to pay more than $22 million in additional fees to renew their driver’s license or get their vehicle registered without any improvement in the services they receive.”

This bill would require the Department of Revenue to “reimburse” licensing offices for incurred transaction and operation costs.

Bill sponsor Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, said he hoped the bill would increase funds for rural county offices so residents don’t have to travel as much as 45 miles if nearby offices have closed.

The final version of the measure would prohibit commercial vehicle drivers from using a cell phone while driving. Doing so would count as a serious traffic violation.

The veto session starts Wednesday, Sept. 11.

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