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House approves $3 increase for license-office service fees, shifts entire increase to local offices
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 207, raising certain motor vehicle/driver-service fees by $3 and changing how the added fee is distributed so the office that performs the work receives the full increase; the measure passed the House 96-46.
The Missouri House on March 20 approved House Bill 2 07, a $3 increase in service fees charged by some Department of Revenue license and fee offices, and adopted amendments that alter how the additional fee is distributed.
The bill’s sponsor, the gentleman from Saint Charles, said the increase responds to rising operating costs and higher wages needed to staff local offices. A floor amendment removed a provision that would have routed $1 of the increase statewide; the sponsor said the amendment directs the entire $3 increase to the office that performs the transaction. Another amendment added a 5% evaluation credit for tax-exempt charitable organizations competing to operate fee offices.
Opponents argued the increase may create a barrier for low-income residents who rely on state identification and driver credentials; the lady from Jackson said fee increases disproportionately affect unaccompanied youth and low-income Missourians. Supporters noted the legislature already provides free state-issued IDs for those who cannot pay.
The House adopted the amendments and ordered the bill perfected and printed. A recorded vote on the motion passed 96 yeas to 46 nays.
