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SB 1197MISSOURISession 2026State Billin committee

Missouri enacts the Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act requiring wrong-way vehicle detection systems on state highways

Original title: Enacts the "Alexander Whalen Safe Highways Act" pertaining to wrong-way vehicle detection systems

Last action · April 20, 2026: SCS Voted Do Pass S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee (4863S.02C)Sponsor: David Gregory

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed
Law

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What This Bill Would Do

The Missouri Department of Transportation is required to install s beginning no later than March 1, 2027, prioritizing the intersection of westbound Interstate 64 and Jefferson Avenue. The department must also evaluate notification systems for drivers and emergency responders and issue annual effectiveness reports starting December 31, 2027.

Why it matters

Drivers traveling on state highways will encounter new detection equipment, enhanced illuminated signage, and real-time alert systems designed to catch wrong-way vehicles. The state transportation agency assumes new annual reporting duties and evaluation requirements regarding roadway safety technology.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Department of Transportation

The department is tasked with installing detection systems, evaluating notification technologies, and producing annual reports.

Directly affected

drivers

Drivers will experience enhanced illuminated signage, real-time alerts, and potential notification systems regarding wrong-way vehicles.

Directly affected

emergency responders

Emergency responders are subject to an evaluation concerning feasibility and effectiveness of notification systems for wrong-way drivers.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific intersection is prioritized for the new detection systems?
The intersection of westbound Interstate 64 and Jefferson Avenue is prioritized for the initial installation of a .
When must the Department of Transportation begin implementing the detection systems?
Implementation must begin no later than March 1, 2027.
What information must be included in the annual reports?
Annual reports must include the number and locations of systems implemented and planned, effects on wrong-way driving incidents and fatalities, cost-effectiveness, and any strategy adjustments.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions
  1. Apr 20, 2026SenateCommittee
    SCS Voted Do Pass S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee (4863S.02C)
  2. Apr 8, 2026Senate
    Hearing Conducted S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee
  3. Jan 27, 2026SenateFloor
    Second Read and Referred S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee
  4. Jan 7, 2026SenateIntroduced
    S First Read
  5. Dec 1, 2025Senate
    Prefiled

Version history & redline

2 versions on file
Comparing 4863S.01I - Introduced → Senate Committee Substitute - Committee Version
removed addedOfficial text
removed: SECOND REGULAR SESSION added: 4863S.02C 1 SENATE added: COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 1197 removed: 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY SENATOR GREGORY (15). 4863S.01I KRISTINA MARTIN, Secretary AN ACT To amend chapter 226, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to wrong-way vehicle detection systems. Be it enacted by the […] real-time alerts. 3. The department of transportation shall implement WWVDSs beginning no later than March 1, 2027. The department shall prioritize the installation of removed: WWVDSs added: a WWVDS at removed: highway interchanges, beginning with: (1) The added: the intersection of westbound Interstate 64 and Jefferson removed: Avenue; and (2) Other interchanges with increased wrong-way driving incidents as identified by added: Avenue. The implementation of other WWVDSs will be upon appropriation or upon approval from the removed: department through crash and traffic data analysis. added: director as needed. 4. The department shall evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a system to notify other drivers in the area about a wrong-way driver. 5. The department shall evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a system to notify emergency responders of a wrong-way driver. added: 2 6. removed: The department shall provide educational information to inform drivers about wrong-way driving risks and safety measures. 7. Beginning December 31, 2027, and annually thereafter, the department shall produce a report on the implementation and effectiveness of WWVDSs, to include: (1) The […]
Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Sponsors

David GregorySenate · District 15RepublicanPrimary sponsor

Connected Entities

General Assembly, Interstate 64, David Gregory and 2 more
OrganizationGeneral Assembly“Legislative body enacting the statute.”Map →
locationInterstate 64“Westbound intersection with Jefferson Avenue prioritized for initial system inst”Map →
PersonDavid Gregory“Primary sponsor of SB 1197.”Map →
OrganizationDepartment of Transportation“Required to implement wrong-way vehicle detection systems and issue annual repor”Map →
locationJefferson Avenue“Intersection with westbound Interstate 64 prioritized for initial system install”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.senate.mo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance65
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz25
    Current news / social attention level

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