Modifies provisions relating to statutes of limitations
If enacted, SB853 would significantly reshape how long individuals and entities have to bring forth legal claims regarding contractual obligations, torts, and other actions. For example, the redefined timeline for filing claims based on fraud would allow plaintiffs to file up to ten years following the discovery of the fraud, which is a notable lengthening from the previously established limitations. This adjustment aims to provide aggrieved parties additional time to recognize injustice and file their claims appropriately.
Senate Bill 853 aims to modify existing provisions related to statutes of limitations in the state of Missouri. Specifically, the bill proposes to repeal sections 516.120 and 516.140 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and replace them with new provisions outlining the timeframes for various legal actions. For contracts and other obligations, the period for initiating action is outlined as five years, while most personal injury and defamation claims will have a two-year period, with certain exceptions related to fraud and the discovery of facts.
A point of contention surrounding SB853 might arise from its implications on personal injury and employment-related claims. Advocates for workers and personal injury victims may argue that reducing the timeframe for action diminishes the rights of individuals to seek redress for harms suffered. Furthermore, there may be discussions about whether the changes adequately balance the need for timely legal resolutions against the realities of discovering some injuries or fraud long after the fact.