With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Mike Parson has ensured that Missouri’s businesses will not fall victim to frivolous, job-crushing COVID-19 lawsuits.
The Missouri Chamber’s call for action on this issue was joined by roughly 800 employers and Missourians who signed a letter in support of enacting policy to stop predatory COVID-19 litigation.
Gov. Parson signed Senate Bill 51 at Koller Enterprises in Fenton. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer. Sen. Bill White also championed the issue and Rep. John Wiemann handled the bill in the House.
“This measure is critical to our state’s economic recovery. Passing this measure into law was the Missouri Chamber’s top priority for the 2021 Legislative Session — with our work on this legislation drawing support from a grassroots coalition of more than 800 companies and individuals who needed protection from frivolous COVID-19 lawsuits,” said Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We know that trial attorneys nationwide are eager to profit from this pandemic. This threat has been looming over every employer in Missouri. With Senate Bill 51 now becoming law, employers can reopen with greater confidence and operate knowing they are safe from the kind of COVID-19 lawsuits that are spreading rapidly across the country. We’re grateful for the leadership of Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, Sen. Bill White and Rep. John Wiemann on Senate Bill 51 and thank Gov. Parson for his signature.”
