In a push to improve Missouri’s legal climate, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing a practical reform to shorten the statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Current law allows plaintiffs up to five years to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case. HB 68, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Overcast (R-Ava), would shorten that timeframe to two years.
In February, the Missouri House passed HB 68 with a 92-42 vote. This week, Overcast presented the bill to the Senate General Laws Committee.
“This has real impacts for the business community and also for the individuals who are bringing these suits,” Overcast said. “It’s a matter of judicial fairness. As time goes on, memories fade, evidence does not get better.”
Action is needed to ensure Missouri’s legal climate does not hinder economic growth. According to the Missouri Chamber’s annual CEO Survey, one third of business leaders believe the state’s legal environment is getting worse. Additionally, 45% of respondents say reducing the statute of limitations is the most important legal reform for the business community to support.
Luke Reed, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber, testified in support of the legislation.
“It’s a big step in making Missouri more competitive economically,” Reed said. “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.”
To learn more, contact Reed at lreed@mochamber.com or 573-300-1450.
