The Missouri House passed a bill raising the state’s 17-cent diesel tax by 3 cents – half the amount proposed by the Senate.

The differences between the bills, which also raise the state’s sales tax, will have to be worked out in a compromise committee before the session ends May 17.
The House bill also calls for higher fees for commercial driver’s license examinations and higher handling fees for the application or renewal of all vehicle licenses.
One amendment could allow the use of general state tax revenues for state roads.
Among provisions in both versions is the permanent extension of a 6-cent motor fuel tax enacted in 1992, which is currently scheduled to expire in 2008.
According to the Associated Press, any major fund-raising provisions in the final bill would have to be approved by voters.