JEFFERSON CITY • The Missouri Senate signed off on a plan Thursday that supporters say will allow the St. Louis Zoo to remain a mostly free attraction.

The measure allows ballot initiatives to be brought in St. Louis to raise sales taxes by up to an eighth of a percent to fund the zoo. Current law allows a half-percent raise.

It also caps the total sales tax for the zoo at 1 percent for surrounding counties and 2 percent in the city. The legislation allows the zoo to charge admission for newly built facilities.

It was forwarded to the House on a 26-4 vote with no debate.

Zoo officials have been searching for ways to keep the zoo free, while also addressing long-term maintenance needs and renovations.

The legislation is Senate Bill 49.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.