SACRAMENTO (AP) -- The state Senate has approved legislation making it easier for counties to impose sales taxes to pay for transportation improvements.

The constitutional amendment by Senate President John Burton, D-San Francisco, would allow counties to add a half cent to the sales tax if a simple majority of voters approve.

Currently it takes a two-thirds vote.

Monday's 27-9 vote sent the amendment to the Assembly. It would go on the state ballot if approved by lawmakers.

The amendment is part of a transportation financing package carried by Burton. He also is the author of a measure that would allow the state to sell $16 billion in bonds to pay for transportation projects.

The state Transportation Commission estimates that California will have $116.5 billion in unmet state and local transportation needs over the next 10 years.

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