State lawmakers have limited the spending authority of the Missouri State Highway Patrol over frustration concerning the purchase of a new airplane frequently used by the governor.
A new law taking effect Aug. 28 will require the patrol to get legislative approval before spending more than $100,000 from a special state fund on any vehicle.
The new restrictions come after lawmakers complained that they were not told in advance about the patrol's purchase last December of a new $5.6 million airplane. Records show that Nixon has flown on the plane frequently.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced this past week that he will allow the measure passed by the Legislature to take effect without his signature.
