Bill > SB856

This bill modifies two sections of Missouri law related to judicial jurisdiction and venue for civil cases. Specifically, it adds Cole County to the eastern district of the court of appeals and establishes new rules for determining venue in civil lawsuits. The bill introduces detailed provisions for identifying a plaintiff's or defendant's "principal place of residence" for venue purposes, including a rebuttable presumption based on voter registration. Notably, the bill creates a special venue rule requiring that any legal challenges to the enactment of a law, constitutional provisions, or regulations must be filed in Cole County. For tort cases, the bill specifies that venue should generally be in the county where the plaintiff was first injured, with different rules for in-state and out-of-state injuries, and special considerations for cases involving corporations, railroads, and employment-related incidents. The bill also includes provisions for transferring venue if all parties agree, sets a 90-day deadline for venue motions, and establishes that insurance companies are deemed to reside in the county of their registered office, with foreign insurance companies without a Missouri office considered residents of Cole County.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=479