Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is advocating a change in the legal framework to amend the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Currently, individuals in Missouri have up to five years to file such lawsuits. House Bill 68, introduced by Representative Matthew Overcast from Ava, seeks to reduce this time limit to two years.

Earlier this year, the Missouri House approved HB 68 with a 92-42 vote. This week, Overcast presented the proposal to the Senate General Laws Committee. He emphasized the significance of this measure, stating, “This has real impacts for the business community and also for the individuals who are bringing these suits. It’s a matter of judicial fairness. As time goes on, memories fade, evidence does not get better.”

The initiative aims to address concerns about Missouri’s legal climate potentially affecting economic growth. Data from the Missouri Chamber’s annual CEO Survey reveals that one-third of business leaders feel the state’s legal environment is deteriorating. Furthermore, 45% of respondents deem the reduction in the statute of limitations as the most crucial legal reform for businesses.

Luke Reed, the Missouri Chamber’s director of legislative affairs, expressed the organization’s support for the legislation. Reed asserted, “It’s a big step in making Missouri more competitive economically. We look to our neighboring states and the states we compete with the most – Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee – their statute of limitations is one or two years.”

Inquiries can be directed to Reed at lreed@mochamber.com or 573-300-1450.