Bill > SB916

This bill modifies provisions related to sovereign immunity, which is a legal protection that shields government entities from lawsuits. Specifically, it clarifies that the existing sovereign immunity in Missouri, as it stood before September 12, 1977, will continue, with some exceptions. The bill expressly waives this immunity for injuries directly caused by the negligent operation of motor vehicles by public employees during their employment, and for injuries resulting from dangerous conditions on public property, provided certain conditions are met, such as the public entity having notice of the danger. A significant addition is that private contractors and subcontractors working for the Missouri Department of Transportation, when following approved plans and specifications, will now have the same sovereign immunity as a public entity, extending from the start of work until the project's formal acceptance. The bill also refines the definition of "purchase" of liability insurance for political subdivisions, meaning it refers to direct acquisition of coverage, not indirect arrangements. Finally, it clarifies that the applicable limit on liability awards for a claim will be the limit in effect on the date the incident occurred.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=123