MissouriModifies provisions relating to determinations of fault in tort actions
What it does
SB 1513 - Currently, in all tort actions, a defendant who bears less than fifty-one percent of the fault shall only be liable for the percentage of the judgment for which the defendant is determined to be responsible. However, when a defendant bears fifty-one percent or more of the fault, current law provides that the defendant is jointly and severally liable for the judgment amount. This act repeals such provisions and provides that each defendant is liable only for the amount of damages in direct proportion to that defendant's percentage of fault.
More detail
Additionally, if a plaintiff is found to bear fifty-one or more of the percentage of fault, then that plaintiff shall not be entitled to recovery.
The trier of fact shall calculate the total amount of damages and the percentage of fault of all persons who contributed to a plaintiff's injury. The assessments and findings of fact regarding the fault of a nonparty shall only be used for the determination of the fault of the named parties and not as evidence of liability in any action.
This act is identical to SB 826 (2025) and is similar to SB 821 (2022), a provision in SB 1243 (2022), SB 381 (2021), HB 1310 (2021), SB 845 (2020), HB 2242 (2020), SB 678 (2018), in SCS/SB 1102 (2018), SB 383 (2017), SB 736 (2016), HB 2287 (2016), SB 140 (2015), in SCS/SB 589 (2014), SB 830 (2014), SB 846 (2014), SB 609 (2012), in HCS/HB 1298 & 1180 (2012), SB 211 (2011), and HB 364 (2011). KATIE O'BRIEN
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Feb 5Second Read and Referred S General Laws CommitteeLatest
- Jan 7S First ReadIntroduced