Missouri Legislature Attempts to Pass Asbestos Claims Transparency Law

In 2020, the Missouri General Assembly attempted to reform asbestos litigation with S.B. 575, which aimed to enhance transparency in trust claims. Sponsored by Senator Bill Eigel, it proposed strict disclosure requirements on plaintiffs, but a Democratic filibuster blocked its passage despite a Republican majority. This highlights the potential impact of such reforms on future lawsuits and their implications for asbestos-related claims.

Missouri Gov. Parson Enacts Tort Reform Significant to Litigation and Trial Practice

On July 10, 2019, Missouri Governor Michael Parson signed pivotal tort reform legislation that reshapes litigation and trial practice in the state. These changes, highlighted in his State of the State address, focus on venue, joinder, and discovery issues, significantly impacting how lawsuits are filed and managed. Notably, Senate Bill 7 restricts mass and class action suits by out-of-state plaintiffs, while Senate Bill 224 aligns Missouri’s discovery rules with federal standards, introducing limits on interrogatories and depositions. Discover how these reforms aim to enhance fairness and efficiency in Missouri’s courts.