JEFFERSON CITY (March 20, 2026) – A new report from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is urging the General Assembly to take up lawsuit reform, warning that the state’s flawed civil justice system continues to drive up insurance costs.

Calling on lawmakers to advance reforms to restore balance to Missouri’s civil justice system, NFIB State Director Brad Jones issued a statement:

“The findings of this report underscore what many Main Street Missourians already know to be true: lawsuit abuse is an enormous challenge here in the Show-Me-State. The litigious environment results in greater uncertainty and financial strain for Missouri families and small business owners. Frivolous lawsuits drive up insurance costs and force mom-and-pop business owners to divert resources away from growth, hiring, and community investment. Thankfully, lawmakers in Jeff City are working on some commonsense guardrails, like SB 907, to protect small business owners from predatory trial attorneys. NFIB will continue working with lawmakers to restore balance to Missouri’s civil justice system.”

Background:

Earlier this week, The Kansas City Star published an op-ed from Jones urging the Senate to quickly advance SB 907, which would curb frivolous lawsuits claiming ADA-noncompliance. This comes after NFIB released new paid radio advertisements, urging the General Assembly to protect small businesses. In February, the Missouri House unanimously advanced a reform to safeguard small businesses from lawsuit abuse.

Visit ProtectMissouriSmallBusiness.org for more information on the campaign.