Missouri Senate OKs higher weight limits on livestock trucks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A measure to set higher weight limits on trucks carrying livestock on most Missouri roads has won Senate approval.

Senators on Thursday voted 33-0 in favor of the legislation, which expands current exemptions for milk trucks.

Livestock trucks could carry as much as 85,500 pounds, up from the current 80,000-pound limit.

The bill by Republican Sen. Mike Parson of Bolivar is similar to provisions in a larger bill aimed at spurring agricultural growth.

Parson's bill would apply to all Missouri highways except interstates. The legislation also would allow trucks to exceed weight limits by 10 percent for grain products during harvest seasons.

No senators spoke against the bill Thursday, but Democrats have raised concerns about putting more weight on roads without additional taxes to pay for potential damages.