When the Missouri Senate's 2018 legislative session begins at noon Jan. 3, a bill filed by state Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, will be on the table.
Riddle recently pre-filed legislation that would increase the penalties for someone who illegally blocks a major highway or interstate in Missouri.
Callaway County includes Interstate 70, U.S. 54 and a small part of U.S. 63.
Under Riddle's proposal, anyone who illegally blocks traffic on an interstate or major highway would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor and be subject to increased penalties.
"Following requests from numerous concerned constituents, I have decided to file this legislation to ensure no one tries to illegally shut down or obstruct any of the major highways or interstates that travel through Missouri," Riddle said. "Interstate 70 plays a major role in my district; and when reckless individuals try to illegally block the interstate, it means my constituents can't get to work, and in some situations it means they cannot get access to critical health care."
While the interstates running through Missouri account for less than 4 percent of the state's total highway system, they account for 38 percent of the state's total traffic volume.
"This proposal is about keeping our major highways and interstates safe and open," Riddle said. "This past year, I heard from countless individuals who fear the worst if a portion of Interstate 70 is closed due to individuals illegally shutting down the interstate."
The legislation also would provide individuals who are affected by an illegal interstate shutdown an opportunity to collect damages. Under the proposal, any person who commits the crime of illegally obstructing any of the major highways or interstates in Missouri would be liable to any person to whom harm was caused for the amount of economic damages associated with the obstruction.