Bill > HB3082

This bill, titled the "Missouri Entrepreneurial Freedom Restoration Act," establishes new protections for individuals' right to earn a living by requiring government restrictions on businesses, occupations, trades, and professions to undergo heightened judicial review. The act declares the right to pursue a chosen livelihood a fundamental right, arguing that current legal interpretations have weakened its protection. It aims to promote economic opportunity and individual freedom by ensuring that government burdens on this right are justified by clear and convincing evidence that they are necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare, and are the least restrictive means to achieve the stated purpose, with "welfare" narrowly defined to exclude protection against competition. Individuals whose right to earn a living is burdened in violation of this act can bring a claim or defense in court, and if successful, may be awarded nominal damages, attorney's fees, and costs, with the state waiving sovereign immunity for nominal damages up to one dollar per claim.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3082&year=2026&code=R