Panel reviews bill to strengthen lighting requirements for animal‑drawn and slow‑moving vehicles

Representative Tim Taylor told the committee that House Bill 74 would update Missouri law governing lighting and reflectors on animal‑drawn vehicles to improve nighttime visibility and reduce collisions. Taylor said the proposal increases visibility distances and adds a required yellow lamp on top of the vehicle in addition to front and rear lighting.

The sponsor said he was not targeting any single group but that Amish communities in portions of the state — where horse‑drawn buggies are common on narrow rural highways — are particularly affected. Taylor said he had not yet consulted directly with Amish community leaders and asked the committee to avoid rushing the bill so the legislature can hear from community…