Lawmakers are considering legislation that would extend sovereign immunity protections to private contractors working on Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) projects.
Under HB 2926, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R- Campbell), liability protections would apply beginning when MoDOT issues an official notice to proceed and would continue even after the department formally accepts the completed project. Any claims would remain subject to existing statutory exceptions.
During a House Transportation Committee hearing, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other supporters testified the bill would bring clarity and consistency to infrastructure projects by aligning liability standards for public and private workers on state transportation projects.
Chip Jones of Emery Sapp & Sons said that reducing litigation expenses would free up funding for additional road construction.
“Contractors are required to build according to MoDOT’s approved plans and specifications. We do not control the design standards for these projects, and we cannot deviate from them. Yet, contractors are routinely sued simply because we are perceived as having deep pockets.”
A companion bill, SB 916, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton), was recently heard in the Senate General Laws Committee and received broad support.
For more information, contact Missouri Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Jared Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
