MissouriSB10672026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which provides procedures for dismissal of actions based on public expression

Sponsored By: Mike Henderson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Public speech lawsuits face early dismissal

For cases filed or claims asserted on or after August 28, 2026, defendants gain a special dismissal process. It covers communications in or about government proceedings and constitutionally protected expression on matters of public concern. Motions generally are due within 60 days after service of the relevant court papers; judges can allow more time for good cause. Proceedings, including discovery, generally pause during the motion and appeal, though limited discovery is allowed. A successful motion permanently dismisses the covered claim, and winning defendants receive related costs, reasonable attorney fees, and litigation expenses. Responding parties receive those amounts only when the motion was frivolous or filed solely to delay. Motions generally must be heard within 60 days; defendants can appeal adverse rulings as of right within 21 days. Exclusions cover claims against government units or officials acting officially, specified urgent government health or safety enforcement, and certain commercial sales or leases.

Stronger privacy protections for court records

Confidential case information and records must remain unavailable to the general public, subject to Missouri Supreme Court access rules. Beginning August 28, 2026, court papers and judgments cannot show a party's full Social Security or financial account numbers. This also protects children's full Social Security numbers when they are covered by custody or support orders. Court automation systems, including pilot projects, must follow strict privacy and security standards set by Missouri Supreme Court rules.

Workers can update attorney case records

Workers' compensation claimants can update their attorney's name, contact information, or fee arrangement through a signed written agreement. The claimant and attorney must sign and file the agreement with the Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. When changing attorneys, the claimant, current attorney, and new attorney must all sign. The commission must update the records, but these rules do not set fees or change benefits.

Clearer public records for business owners

Anyone can request a certificate of good standing for a domestic or foreign limited liability company or its series. Subject to stated qualifications, the certificate provides evidence that the entity exists and may do business in Missouri. It can also confirm compliance with the secretary of state's corporation division requirements when those requirements are met. By January 31, 2027, each company series must have its own maintained, searchable listing on the secretary of state's website.

Funding support for court technology changes

The Statewide Court Automation Fund can receive money from publication sales and committee-approved electronic services tied to court automation. The court automation committee cannot require a circuit or county to change systems without providing needed staff, money, and equipment. Circuits and counties must get committee approval for each cost before spending to qualify for reimbursement.

More circuit judges in selected communities

Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Seventh Judicial Circuit has five circuit judges instead of four. Beginning January 1, 2029, the Eleventh Circuit has seven, including division seventeen. Voters elect that division's judge in 2028 for two years, then in 2030 for six years, with six-year elections thereafter. The Twenty-fifth Circuit can have three judges in divisions one through three, including the judgeship created in fiscal year 2026. Its governor-appointed division three judge serves until January 1, 2029. Voters elect that judge in 2028 for four years, then in 2032 for six years, with six-year elections thereafter.

More family court staffing support

Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Twenty-fifth Circuit can appoint up to four additional family court commissioners instead of three. Appointments remain limited by reimbursement to the state for commissioner salaries from specified sources. The Seventh Circuit can replace a salary-reimbursed commissioner with one paid by the state without reimbursement, subject to appropriations. That authority cannot increase commissioner numbers above the number serving on January 1, 2027.

More local associate judges starting 2028

Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Eleventh Judicial Circuit gains two associate circuit judge positions. The Twenty-third Circuit, Franklin County, and Miller County each gain one. These positions do not count toward the usual county-based formula for authorizing additional associate judges. In the Twenty-third Circuit, Franklin County, and Miller County, governor-appointed judges serve until January 1, 2029. Voters elect judges for all five positions in 2028 and every four years afterward.

New fund supports clearing criminal records

The law creates the Missouri Expungement Fund to support clearing or sealing criminal records. Spending requires an appropriation, and the law sets no funding amount. Authorized agencies can use it for court automation and criminal history systems, including technology-assisted bulk clearing or sealing. It can also support necessary staff and contractors. Unspent balances and investment earnings stay in the fund after each two-year budget period.

Treatment courts must fill staffing gaps

A circuit with a treatment court division must hire an administrator if it has neither an administrator nor a commissioner. Hiring depends on available appropriations or other funds. When compensation comes from nonstate money, that funding source must reimburse the state for actual salary and benefit costs.

Higher court fees for case filers

The statewide court automation fee rises from $7 to $10, adding $3 per covered case. Beginning July 1, 2027, this fee adjusts annually using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Each adjustment applies to cases filed on or after July 1 that year, separately from other statutory adjustments. The St. Louis city circuit court can also set its civil filing surcharge at up to $20. The court chooses the surcharge; it does not have to charge the maximum.

Business owners face company dissolution limits

A member seeking court-ordered dissolution of a limited liability company must establish at least one listed legal ground. Grounds include inability to operate reasonably under the agreement or a reasonable need to protect the complaining member's rights or interests. They also include abandonment, management deadlock or internal division, and substantial harm to operations. Persistent and widespread fraud, mismanagement, or abuse of authority by those in control also qualify. The application goes to the circuit court in the county of the company's registered office.

Simpler Missouri subpoenas for interstate cases

Beginning August 28, 2026, parties seeking Missouri discovery for cases in another covered jurisdiction can submit that jurisdiction's subpoena. The clerk in the Missouri county where discovery is sought must promptly issue a Missouri subpoena. Requesting issuance does not count as appearing in a Missouri court. Missouri law controls service and requests to protect against, enforce, cancel, or change the subpoena. The procedure applies to qualifying discovery requests in cases pending on August 28, 2026.

St. Louis sheriff sets attorney pay

The St. Louis sheriff sets pay for an attorney hired to advise or represent the sheriff. The law removes the former annual pay range of $3,000 to $15,000, leaving no specified amount or range. Pay comes from the same funds and revenue as the sheriff's compensation. The attorney serves at the sheriff's pleasure.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Henderson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 26 • No: 1

House vote • 5/15/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 7 • No: 1

House vote • 5/5/2026