Bill > SJR93

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to be placed on the Missouri ballot in the 2026 general election, which would modify the state constitution's existing prohibition on retrospective (retroactive) laws. Specifically, the amendment would create an exception to the current constitutional ban on retrospective laws, allowing such laws to be enacted specifically for civil legal claims involving sexual abuse of children under 18 years old. The proposed change would permit the state legislature to pass laws that would allow civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse to be filed even if the abuse occurred in the past and might have been previously barred by existing statutes of limitation. The ballot language frames the amendment as a measure to "protect children" by enabling broader legal recourse for victims of childhood sexual abuse. If approved by voters, this amendment would represent a significant change in Missouri's constitutional approach to retrospective legislation, creating a specific carve-out for civil claims related to child sexual abuse.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=356