Missouri’s business community secured a major win this week as Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation into law aimed at protecting employers from predatory lawsuits targeting website accessibility claims.
SBs 907, 1154, and 1272 were sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson (R–Cape Fair) and handled in the House by Rep. Brian Seitz (R–Branson). The legislation addresses a growing wave of lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) over minor website accessibility issues.
While the Missouri Chamber recognizes the importance of ensuring equal access to products and services, many of these lawsuits focus on technicalities rather than meaningful improvements in accessibility.
“Missouri business owners genuinely want their products and services to be accessible to everyone,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This legislation will curb these abusive lawsuits.”
With the governor’s signature, the law establishes a clear legal process allowing businesses to challenge abusive claims. Courts are now empowered to award attorney fees and costs to businesses when lawsuits are deemed frivolous or exploitative.
The law extends protections to entities registered with the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as churches and nonprofit organizations. It applies not only to websites but also to web content, more fully covering items that might be the subject of frivolous claims.
“I was grateful for the Missouri Chamber’s involvement on this,” Sen. Hudson said. “Having their members come and testify in committee hearings really made an impact.”
