Bill > HB2282

This bill establishes the "Seventh Amendment Preservation Act," which aims to protect citizens' constitutional right to a jury trial in civil cases. The bill affirms that the Seventh Amendment is fundamental to the nation's foundation and declares that Missouri citizens should have unrestricted access to courts. It proposes several key protections: first, the state constitution and U.S. Constitution will preempt any legislation that restricts residents' ability to seek legal recourse, maintaining court access as it existed in 1822 and expanded by subsequent constitutional amendments. Second, the bill invalidates any federal or state laws, orders, or regulations that infringe upon citizens' right to a jury trial. Third, it establishes a government duty to protect citizens' rights to a jury trial in civil matters. The bill also creates legal accountability for entities that deliberately deprive citizens of their constitutional rights, allowing potential damages and attorney's fees for injured parties. Notably, the bill eliminates existing legislative restrictions on settlement amounts, jury awards, court access, and jurisdictional limitations, rendering such current provisions null and void. This legislation is designed to broadly interpret and protect constitutional rights to civil litigation and jury trials.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2282&year=2026&code=R