MO
Missouri Senate Bill SB1243

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SB1243

Introduced
3/1/22  

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to civil actions

Impact

The implications of SB1243 on Missouri state law are substantial, particularly in contexts of product liability and consumer protection. By instituting stricter time limitations for filing lawsuits, the bill is seen by proponents as a way to bring predictability and stability to the business environment, potentially reducing litigation costs for manufacturers. Conversely, opponents of the bill worry that the changes may inadvertently limit the ability of consumers to pursue legitimate claims, especially in cases involving delayed onset of injuries or defects that are not immediately discoverable. This duality of benefits and concerns has sparked significant debate among legislators, consumer advocacy groups, and industry representatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 1243 modifies provisions relating to civil actions, specifically addressing the timeframe for bringing actions related to product liability, negligence, and economic losses. One of the significant changes introduced by SB1243 is the establishment of a fifteen-year statutory limit for filing claims regarding economic losses, personal injuries, property damages, or wrongful deaths arising from defective products. This aims to provide a uniform timeframe across the state, impacting how long individuals or entities have to seek redress for losses linked to product defects. Additionally, the bill stipulates conditions under which certain claims may be exempt from this limitation, such as instances of concealed defects or negligence on the part of the manufacturer or seller of a product.

Contention

Notably, there is a contention surrounding the preemption of certain previous state laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 related personal injury claims. SB1243 replaces common law causes of action relating to injuries from COVID-19 exposure with statutory provisions that impose limitations on how such claims can be made. Critics argue that this could undermine accountability and consumer rights during a time when public health and safety were jeopardized, while supporters contend that it safeguards businesses against frivolous lawsuits amidst the pandemic. Overall, the bill encapsulates a critical intersection of economic and public health interests amidst evolving legal standards.

Latest SB1243 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SB708

Modifies provisions relating to civil actions

MO SB631

Modifies provisions relating to statutes of limitations

MO SB669

Modifies provisions relating to civil actions, including determinations of fault and immunity from products liability

MO SB1463

Modifies provisions relating to determination of fault of parties and nonparties in civil actions

MO SB467

Modifies provisions relating to determination of fault of parties and nonparties in civil actions

MO SB117

Modifies provisions relating to statutes of limitations

MO SB635

Provides that a person who is injured by a product has 15 years after the sale or lease of the product to bring a suit for damages

MO SB314

Modifies provisions relating to civil procedure, including the collateral source rule, determinations of fault, references to damages, and disclosure requirements

MO SB853

Modifies provisions relating to statutes of limitations

MO SB292

Revise laws related to increasing product liability protection for consumers relating to economic harm

Similar Bills

MA H1437

Relative to protecting innocent sellers

MA S1218

Relative to protecting innocent sellers

MA S1092

Relative to protecting innocent sellers

IA HSB104

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors, providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(See HF 595.)

IA SSB1096

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors, providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(See SF 508.)

NV AB38

Revises various provisions relating to housing. (BDR 43-521)

IA HF595

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors; providing for immunity; and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 104.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF508

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors; providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 1096.)