Missouri House approves speed limit bill with additions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House on Thursday approved a bill that would allow state officials to increase speed limits on rural, four-lane highways.

The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton) and carried in the House by Rep. John Voss (R-Cape Girardeau), had already passed the Senate. However, the House added amendments before passing the bill 82-53 on Thursday, so the Senate will need to approve the legislation again before it can go to the governor's desk.

The bill would allow officials to increase the speed limit to 75 mph on rural, four-lane highways.

Voss argued that the bill does not require anyone to drive that speed, but allows drivers the freedom to do so if they choose. Opponents raised safety concerns for drivers and for highway workers.