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Reform
Missouri bill reforming punitive damages standards awaits governor's signature
The Missouri Legislature passed a bill that raises standards for punitive damages in civil actions and it awaits Gov. Mike Parson's signature.
Reform
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.
Reform
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.
Reform
Missouri justice reform organization supports bill to give insurers a voice in arbitrations
ST. LOUIS – The executive director of the Missouri Civil Justice Reform Coalition said the organization supports a newly introduced bill, Senate Bill 726, that aims to give insurance companies a voice in arbitration settlements, which up until now, backers said, has been muted.
Reform
Business CEO says bill will cap limits on product liability in Missouri
ST. LOUIS – A new bill introduced into the Missouri Legislature the CEO of the Associated Industries of Missouri said would provide a common sense approach to avoid potentially endless litigation over product defects.
Reform
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
Reform
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.
Reform
Kansas City strives for gender equality, equal representation across ethnicities with move to ban salary history
Kansas City has passed an ordinance, barring employers from inquiring about their employers' salary histories, in the hopes of eradicating gender discrimination.
Reform
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.
Reform
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.
Reform
Bill introduced in Missouri House would crack down on frivolous lawsuits rep says
JEFFERSON CITY – A new bill introduced by Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) he said aims to crack down on frivolous injury lawsuits by limiting the amount of time a case could be filed.
Reform
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.
Reform
Punitive damages reform top priority of Missouri business leaders
Puntiive damages reform is a top priority of business leaders in Missouri, the state Chamber of Commerce has said.
Reform
Reform advocate: People need to use site tracking lawyer, union donations
JEFFERSON CITY – A little-used online tool that tracks trial lawyer and union donations to Missouri candidates for public office should be getting more attention than it does, a tort reform advocate said during a recent interview.
Reform
Third-party litigation funding 'should be regulated or banned outright,' tort reform advocate says
JEFFERSON CITY – The Advisory Committee on Civil Rules' decision late last month that it will study third-party litigation funding in civil lawsuits and the potential need for a disclosure requirement may not be getting to the root of problem, a Missouri-based tort reform advocate said.
Reform
NFIB Missouri branch will decide legislative agenda next month, product liability will be a focus
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri branch of the National Federation of Independent Business will be meeting in early December to decide its legislative agenda for 2020, its director said during a recent interview.
Reform
Legislators may try again at changing consumer protection law MMPA, citing abuses
JEFFERSON CITY – Legislators may take another tilt at changing a law aimed at protecting consumers that those advocating for reform believe has broadened so widely that it is rife with the potential for abuse.
Reform
Business leader says tort reform will be a top issue in next year's legislative session
ST. LOUIS – The Associated Industries of Missouri (AIMO) hasn't officially set its legislative priorities for the next legislative session, but there are several bills from the previous session it wants to pursue.
Reform
Tort reform Senate bills to take effect, impacts may not be immediately felt, according to legal expert
JEFFERSON CITY – Several tort reform bills signed by Gov. Mike Parson in July took effect at the end of August that could change the legal climate across Missouri. However, those changes so far are still relatively unknown and could stay that way for a while, according to experts.
Reform
Missouri Civil Justice Reform Coalition head says time will tell effect of venue reform law
A series of tort reform bills passed by the state legislature earlier this year went into effect at the end of August, but it may still be a while before Missouri sees the impact of these new laws.