To build on legislative momentum that will improve Missouri’s economic competitiveness, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on lawmakers to address five critical priorities during the second half of the legislative session.
Across the U.S., businesses are facing a surge in predatory lawsuits that allege website accessibility violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to a report from EcomBack, more than 2,000 of these lawsuits were filed in the first half of 2025 – a 37% increase from the same period in 2024.
SB 907 has been approved by the Senate and has been sent to the House for consideration. HB 1694 has been approved by the House and heard by the Senate General Laws Committee – the bill now awaits the committee’s approval.
“Missouri business owners genuinely want their products and services to be accessible to everyone,” said Missouri Chamber President and CEO Kara Corches. “But right now, we’re seeing a rise in lawsuits that focus on minor technical issues instead of meaningful accessibility improvements. This legislation is key to curbing those abusive lawsuits and keeping the focus where it belongs.”
Key legislation: HB 1694 by Rep. Mazzie Christensen (R-Bethany) and SB 907 by Sen. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair)
The Missouri House unanimously passed legislation to strengthen pooled employer health plans already serving tens of thousands of Missourians, including the Chamber Benefit Plan. The Missouri Chamber encourages senators to also pass this legislation, which is critical for small- and medium-sized businesses.
“When I talk to small- and mid-sized business owners, access to affordable health coverage is a top concern,” Corches said. “This legislation makes common-sense, technical updates that will help more employers provide health care benefits to their employees – and keep them around for the long haul.”
Key legislation: HB 2596 by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton)
A key reform to improve our state’s legal climate was also sent to the Missouri Senate. This bill reduces the statute of limitations for personal injury cases from five years to three years, aligning Missouri more closely with the rest of the country.
“Missouri’s current statute of limitations is outdated and creates costly delays in our state’s legal system,” Corches said. “This legislation would help the court system operate more efficiently and will allow both sides to gather information in a case while the details are still fresh.”
Key legislation: HB 1664 by Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson)
The Missouri Chamber is supporting an innovative legislative package which would increase the capacity of child care providers and help businesses offer child care benefits to support the retention and recruitment of employees.
“This is not just a working parents’ issue; it’s an economic issue,” Corches said. “Our state’s child care network is critical infrastructure, and this bill will strengthen that infrastructure that serves as the backbone for all industries.”
Key legislation: HB 2409 by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph)
The Missouri Chamber is opposed to legislation that would retroactively legalize video lottery terminals, or VLTs, operating illegally in Missouri. Current proposals would create an uneven playing field and penalize businesses that have invested significant resources to comply with Missouri’s regulatory framework.
“Employers need certainty – not a separate and uneven set of rules,” Corches said. “The proposed legislation raises real concerns about fairness and consistency.”
Key legislation: HB 2989
