One State Agency Says It Can't Pay Legal Fees

April 2, 2001
By: Seth Bachelier
State Capital Bureau

If you plan on suing a state agency, you may not want to choose the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. Seth Bachelier has more from Jefferson City...

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On March 20, the Missouri Supreme Court finalized a ruling forcing the commission to pay for an accident caused by poorly drawn street lines.

The settlement was 100,000 dollars.

But, the commission didn't pay.

It said it couldn't pay judgements under joint and several liability because only the General Assembly could appropriate from those funds.

Some legislators, including Senate Transportation Committee chairman Morris Westfall, said they will look into the matter.

From Jefferson City, I'm Seth Bachelier.


State agencies are the target of many lawsuits. But, one state agency isn't paying its fees. Seth Bachelier has the story from Jefferson City...

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

On March 20, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission and another driver were held jointly liable for an accident caused by poorly drawn street lines.

The judgment was 100,000 dollars.

But, the commission didn't pay.

It said only the General Assembly can appropriate funds when the state is jointly liable with another defendant.

Some legislators, including Senate Transportation Committee chairman Morris Westfall, said they will look into the matter.

From Jefferson City, I'm Seth Bachelier.


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