John Breslin News
Debate over discrimination bills in aftermath of muiti-million dollar settlement with gay police officer stalls
Two bills filed in the Missouri Legislature designed to bar discrimination in housing and employment on the basis of sexual orientation have stalled.
Hundreds of appeals filed by companies denied medical marijuana licenses
Hundreds of appeals have been filed by companies that failed in their bids to grow, distribute or sell medical marijuana.But one industry organization believes the response is reasonably standard for a new program of this nature, and illustrates the unexpected large number of applications.The state received more than 2,200 applications from approximately 700 different groups.
Bills to legalize sports betting making way through legislature, disputes over details
Several bills to legalize sports better in Missouri are making their way through the legislature.But there are disputes over some provisions provisions, with the gaming industry fighting back against proposals to pay royalties to sports leagues and a mandate to use date from one source.The bills, which resemble legislation passed in 20 states, including Illinois, will make it legal to bet on sports in casinos and online.
Bill aimed at changing approach to punitive damages passes crucial Senate stage
JEFFERSON CITY - Legislators have moved a step forward toward passing a bill to change the way courts consider punitive damages in legal actions.
Landmark law on public sector unions heads for the Missouri Supreme Court
JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Supreme Court will decide whether a law severely curtailing the activities of many public sector unions is unconstitutional.
U.S. Attorney thrust into national spotlight after being named to lead Flynn case review
ST. LOUIS - U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen was named last week to the high profile job of reviewing the prosecution of former White House national security advisor, Michael Flynn.
Bill aimed at limiting 'frivolous' litigation moves forward in Missouri legislature
Several bills aimed at changing elements of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) have been filed by the Missouri legislature
AG asks court to lift bar on enforcing fine, fee cap, municipalities consider response
Attorney General Eric Schmitt wants a bar on enforcing a more stringent cap on revenue generated from fines and fees in St. Louis County to be lifted.
Judge: St. Louis trial over weed killer cancer claims will not resume
ST. LOUIS – A trial in St. Louis over claims that an ingredient in the Roundup weed killer causes cancer will not resume, the St. Louis City Circuit Court has said.
Settlement talks continue over Roundup claims, St. Louis trial will not resume Monday
ST. LOUIS - Settlement talks are continuing between Bayer and plaintiff attorneys over claims of links between an ingredient in its weedkiller Roundup and cancer.
Asbestos bill seeking transparency in bankruptcy claims filed in Senate
JEFFERSON CITY - Lawmakers in Missouri are being asked to support a bill aimed at forcing plaintiffs in asbestos litigation to reveal all details of claims filed with trusts set up to manage compensation from manufacturers that have filed for bankruptcy protection.
Missouri's highest court affirms arbitration ruling in favor of employee, reverses trend
Missouri's highest court has ruled against a company that attempted to arbitrate a disability discrimination claim.
Broadcasters hoping state abandons fight over drink promotions after appeals court ruling
ST. LOUIS - After nearly 12 years of legal wrangling, broadcasters in Missouri are hoping the state will finally give up its opposition to the advertising over the airwaves of drink specials at venues.
New legislative moves proposed to stop wind energy moving through Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY - Lawmakers are making another attempt to stop the movement of wind power through Missouri with the publication of bills targeting a private company that wants to build transmission lines.
Farmers welcome new law on meat labeling, legal action claiming free speech violations continues
JEFFERSON CITY - Farmers are welcoming a new law that bars companies from describing as meat food that does not come from livestock or poultry.
Consumer litigation lending reform is on legislative agenda, uncertainty whether it will advance this session
JEFFERSON CITY - Third party funding that helps litigants during their legal actions is open to abuse, according to critics, but supporters believe it is a key resource for those with limited means to receive what they deserve.
Bill to curtail suits claiming punitive damages filed in Missouri legislature
JEFFERSON CITY - A bill designed to curtail suits claiming punitive damages, particularly in the initial stages, was pre-filed in the Missouri legislature.
Closing arguments set in latest trial over claims that talc-based powder causes cancer
Closing arguments are set to begin Friday in the latest case claiming talc-based powder causes ovarian cancer.
Governor promises announcement supporting further tort reform in next session
While advocates for tort reform, including business groups, had success passing their agenda in the last session, the state's governor believes more can be done.
Bill on punitive damages would remove use as a settlement bargaining tool: Senator
An ability to immediately ask for punitive damages when filing suit can be unfairly used as a bargaining tool by plaintiffs, according to a Missouri senator who introduced a bill to reform the approach to such awards.