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Reform
Civil justice reforms are expected to advance in Missouri legislature this year
The Missouri General Assembly has had good success in changing its litigation environment over the last few years with a punitive damages bill, changes to the standard for employment discrimination claims and a new standard for expert witness testimony admission
Reform
Prop R would change St. Louis redistricting by 2031, remove local conflicts of interest among aldermen
If voters approve Proposition (Prop) R in April next year, it will immediately improve ethics at the Board of Aldermen by prohibiting alder persons from taking official action on legislation when they have a personal or financial conflict of interest
Reform
St. Louis maintains 7th place in 2021-22 Judicial Hellhole ranking
Formerly number one on the annual American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF)’s Judicial Hellhole ranking, St. Louis has dropped to number seven in 2021 for the second year in a row.
Reform
Statute of limitation legislation likely to overcome opposition during House debate this week, reformer says
Reducing Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations to two years for personal injury claims is more relevant than ever due to COVID-19
Reform
Legal reform advocates call for more repair to state's legal climate, as J&J appeals $2.1 billion award to SCOTUS
Missouri Chamber of Commerce members and other companies considering expanding in the state are reportedly thinking twice before they do so because St. Louis has a reputation for being a judicial hellhole.
Reform
Challenge to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales fails, more likely to follow
Laws on shipping alcohol from out of state, with their roots in the post prohibition-era, are facing legal challenges in Missouri and elsewhere.
Reform
Missouri tort reform bill blocks plaintiffs from claiming 'sticker price' of medical care
The sticker price for health care is similar to the sticker price on a car, said Missouri State Rep. Alex Riley (R-Springfield).
Reform
GOP representative introduces bill that would fine social media sites for censorship of religious, political content
Rep. Jeff Coleman (R-Grain Valley) introduced House Bill 482 last week, which would ban popular social media companies from limiting political or religious content
Reform
House to consider COVID liability protection for businesses after Senate approval
The Missouri Senate passed COVID-19 liability protection by a vote of 20-13, which insures businesses against frivolous pandemic lawsuits
Reform
Parson tackles COVID and economy in State of the State speech
Gov. Mike Parson addressed the challenges and opportunities facing Missouri in his recent State of the State speech.
Reform
Insurers hoping legislators put end to special deals plaintiffs cut with defendants
Exercising “537.065 Agreements“ has become a boutique industry in Missouri where plaintiffs make deals with defendants to first cut out an insurer and then sue on behalf of a defendant for punitive damages.
Reform
Branded drug companies to find relief in 'innovator liability' civil justice reform
Innovator liability is an issue that civil justice reform advocates expect will rise in prominence among legislators this year
Reform
Law enforcement 'warming' to asset seizure reform, but lawmaker says no easy passage
State law enforcement agencies are becoming more open to reforming a forfeiture statute to close a loophole in the state's robust protections against the seizure of property and assets, according to one lawmaker.
Reform
Civil justice reform co-chairs aim for easier access, less expense for court system users
Pattern discovery is just one of a number of recommendations issued by the Commission that are designed to increase fairness and efficiencies in Missouri civil courts
Reform
Civil justice reform agenda includes liability protection, personal injury statute of limitations
COVID-19 liability protection is a harbinger for business owners who fear they will not be able to open properly due to the pandemic
Reform
Missouri Commission on Civil Justice Reform recommends discovery reform, increasing access to remote proceedings for all
The taskforce mission of the Missouri Commission on Civil Justice Reform is expected to come to fruition through 2021, according to a civil justice reform advocate with the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS)
Reform
Missouri rape kit law faces questions of constitutional legitimacy
Gov. Mike Parson's rape kit law that sought to extend protections for rape victims has come under fire from Missouri State Public Defenders (MSPD) and their clients over questions of constitutionality.
Reform
Missouri drops to No.7 on annual Judicial Hellhole ranking
Formerly number one on the annual Judicial Hellhole ranking, St. Louis has dropped to number seven in 2020 thanks to a few legislative changes.
Reform
Governor signs law on punitive damages, merchandising act
Governor Mike Parson signed into law changes to the legal make that was championed by business leaders and tort reform advocates.
Reform
Missouri Chamber lobbies state to give nursing homes legal protection
ST. LOUIS – Nursing homes could be the hardest hit by legal problems related to how they handle the COVID-19 pandemic as they possess some of the highest at-risk populations.