Litigation will undoubtedly play a major role in the uncertain economic times ahead. Thankfully, the Missouri legislature just passed a bill that will put the focus back on consumers by keeping unwarranted litigation out of their courtrooms.

The Missouri House of Representatives passed SB 591, a bill that would amend the Missouri Merchandise Practices Act to bring the focus on consumer protection lawsuits back to actual consumer protection. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Parson for his signature.

If enacted into law, the measure would allow courts to more easily dismiss lawsuits that enrich lawyers at the expense of their clients. It would also make the state’s punitive damages more reasonable by tying them to clearer evidence standards.

The bill would not infringe on the state attorney general’s ability to pursue legitimate fraud cases, including those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If businesses are to survive these uncertain times, protections against lawyer-driven litigation are needed.

Gov. Parson will help all Missourians by making this bill law.

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