A Missouri bill is gaining support from a state Senate panel that will limit the amount cities can collect in traffic fines. Cities are currently allowed to collect traffic fines amounting to as much as 30 percent of their budgets.
Senators approved legislation on Wednesday, February 5, sponsored by Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Glendale to prevent municipalities from funding more than 10 percent of their budgets with traffic fines.
Schmitt and some protesters say the traffic tickets also can unfairly hurt low-income residents, who might face jail time or increased fees if they don't pay fines in time.