SB1067

Official summary

The following summaries of this bill are available: Print All Summaries Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed Print SB 1067 - This act establishes the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act". Currently, any action against a person for conduct or speech undertaken or made in connection with a public hearing or meeting in a quasi-judicial proceeding before a tribunal or decision-making body of the state or a political subdivision thereof is subject to a special motion to dismiss, a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or motion for summary judgment and any such motion shall be considered by the court on a priority or expedited basis. This act repeals this provision and creates procedures for dismissal of causes of action asserted in a civil action based on a person's: (1) Communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; (2) Communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or (3) Exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble or petition, or the right of association, guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Missouri Constitution, on a matter of public concern. However, this act shall not apply to a cause of action asserted: (1) Against a governmental unit, as described in the act, or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity; (2) By a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or (3) Against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the sale or lease of such goods or services. No later than 60 days after a party is served with a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim, third-party claim, or other pleading that asserts a cause of action covered by this act, or at a later time upon a showing of good cause, a party may file a special motion to dismiss. The court shall hear and rule on such motion no later than 60 days after the filing of the motion, unless the court orders a later hearing to allow for limited discovery or upon good cause. However, this act provides that the court shall hear and rule on the motion for dismissal no later than 60 days after the order allowing for discovery. This act provides that all other proceedings between the moving party and the responding party in the action, including discovery and any pending hearings or motions, shall be stayed upon the filing of the special motion to dismiss. Additionally, this act provides that the court may stay, upon motion by the moving party, a hearing or motion involving another party or discovery by another party if a ruling on such hearing or motion or discovery relates to a legal or factual issue. Any stay pursuant to this act shall remain in effect until the entry of an order ruling on the special motion to dismiss and the expiration of the time to appeal the order. A moving party may appeal an order denying the special motion to dismiss in whole or in part within 21 days of such order. If a party appeals an order ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that all proceedings between all parties shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal. The court may allow discovery if a party shows that specific information is necessary to establish whether a party has satisfied or failed to satisfy the requirements of this act and such information is not reasonably available without discovery. Additionally, a motion for costs and expenses, voluntary dismissal, or a motion to sever shall not be stayed. During a stay, the court upon good cause may hear and rule on any motions unrelated to the special motion to dismiss and any motions seeking a special or preliminary injunction to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety. In ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that the court shall consider the parties' pleadings, the motion, any replies and responses to the motion, and any evidence that could be considered in a ruling on a motion for summary judgment. The court shall dismiss the cause of action with prejudice if: (1) The moving party has established that the cause of action is covered by this act; (2) The responding party has failed to establish that this act does not apply to the cause of action; and (3) Either the responding party failed to establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action, or the moving party has established that the responding party failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted or that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A voluntary dismissal without prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss pursuant to this act shall not affect the moving party's right to obtain a ruling on the motion and seek costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Additionally, if the moving party prevails on the motion, this act provides that such costs, fees, and expenses shall be awarded to the moving party. A voluntary dismissal with prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss establishes that the moving party prevailed on the motion. The responding party shall be entitled to such costs, fees, and expenses if the responding party prevails on the motion and the court finds that the motion was frivolous or filed solely with the intent to delay the proceeding. Finally, this act applies to causes of action filed or asserted on or after August 28, 2026. This act is identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in SCS/SB 1468 (2026), SB 503 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), and SB 1293 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2666 (2026), provisions in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), HB 1092 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1785 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 432 (2023), HB 750 (2023), SB 1219 (2022), in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022), HB 2624 (2022), and HB 1151 (2021). KATIE O'BRIEN House Committee Substitute Print HCS/SB 1067 - This act modifies provisions relating to civil jurisprudence. ATTORNEY FOR THE SHERIFF OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS (SECTION 57.540) Current law provides that compensation for the attorney for the sheriff of the City of St. Louis shall be not less than $3,000 and not more than $15,000 per year. This act provides that the sheriff shall set the rate of compensation for the attorney, and the attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the sheriff. This provision is identical to SCS/SB 944 (2026), a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026), and in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/HCS/HBs 2637 & 3155 (2026). WORKERS' COMPENSATION (SECTIONS 287.200 & 287.470) The act permits the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission ("Commission") to change the name, information, or fee arrangement of the attorney or law firm representing a claimant for workers' compensation upon the filing of a written agreement, signed by both the claimant and his or her attorney and the new attorney, with the Commission. These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 996 (2026), in HB 1709 (2026), in the perfected HB 2855 (2026), in HCS/HB 3072 (2026), and in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES (SECTIONS 347.044 & 347.186) This act modifies provisions relating to limited liability companies. A new provision is created allowing any person to apply to the Secretary of State ("SOS") to furnish a certificate of good standing for a domestic limited liability company, a foreign limited liability company, a domestic limited liability company series, or a foreign limited liability company series. A certificate of good standing issued by the SOS may be relied upon as prima facie evidence that the domestic or foreign limited liability company is in existence or is authorized to transact business in this state. The act provides that, not later than January 31, 2027, each series of a limited liability company shall be individually profiled, maintained, and searchable as a business entity on the business services website of the SOS in the same manner that a non-series entity is profiled, maintained, and searchable. These provisions are identical to the truly agreed to and finally passed SCS/SB 1142 (2026), provisions in HCS/HB 1713, in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/SCS/HCS/HB 2508 (2026), and in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). COURT DISSOLUTION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (SECTION 347.143) The act modifies the procedure by which a court may decree dissolution of a limited liability company. Specifically, in addition to circumstances where it is not reasonably practicable to carry on the business in conformity with the operating agreement, the court may issue such a decree if it determines: (1) Dissolution is reasonably necessary for the protection of the rights or interests of the complaining members; (2) The business of the limited liability company has been abandoned; (3) The management of the limited liability company is deadlocked or subject to internal dissension; (4) The business operations are substantially impaired; or (5) Those in control of the limited liability company have been found guilty of, or have knowingly countenanced, persistent and pervasive fraud, mismanagement, or abuse of authority. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 1713 (2026), in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/SCS/HCS/HB 2508 (2026), in HCS/HB 3116 (2026), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), HCS/HB 83 (2025), HB 125 (2025), and in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), and is similar to a provision in SB 352 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1458 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), HB 85 (2023), HB 278 (2023), SB 401 (2023), and SB 475 (2023). STATEWIDE COURT AUTOMATION (SECTIONS 476.055 & 483.005) This act modifies provisions of law related to the Statewide Court Automation Committee ("Committee"). Specifically, this act provides that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Executive Director of the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, and the Director of the Missouri State Public Defender System shall now serve as ex-officio members. For the House and Senate members on the Committee, one shall be a member of the majority party and one shall be a member of the minority party. Furthermore, the appointed members of the Committee shall serve for terms of two years or until their successors are appointed. Members of the Committee may also be reimbursed from the Statewide Court Automation Fund for actual expenses related to the duties of the Committee. Furthermore, this act provides that the Committee shall maintain, rather than implement, a statewide court automation system. This act also defines "confidential judicial record" for purposes of the offenses related to releasing information from a confidential judicial record as defined by Missouri Supreme Court Rules. Currently, the Committee is required to file a report on the progress of the statewide court automation system with the chairs of certain House and Senate Committees on the February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st of each year. Instead, this act provides that the report shall be filed electronically on January 15th of each year. Lastly, this act removes the expiration of the Committee upon completion of its duties. These provisions are identical to a provision contained in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), provisions in HCS/SB 945 (2026), and in HCS/HB 3289 (2026). TREATMENT COURTS (SECTION 478.003) This act provides that in each treatment court division without a treatment court administrator or a treatment court commissioner, the court shall employ a treatment court administrator, subject to appropriations or other funds available. If other funds available are used, the source shall reimburse the state for the costs of the salary and benefits of the administrator. This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HB 3289 (2026) and is similar to HB 3468 (2026). 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (CLAY COUNTY) - CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.385) Currently, the Seventh Judicial Circuit, located in Clay County, has four circuit judges. This act increase the number of circuit judges to five beginning in fiscal year 2028. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and is substantially similar to SB 1702 (2026), a provision in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), HB 3363 (2026), and HB 3448 (2026). 22ND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (ST. LOUIS CITY) (SECTION 478.387) This act removes the city description for the 22nd judicial circuit, which consists of the City of St. Louis. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026). 23RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (JEFFERSON COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.550) Currently, there are six associate circuit judges in the 23rd Judicial District, located in Jefferson County. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge. The new judge shall be appointed by the Governor until a successor is elected in 2028 with a term beginning January 1, 2029. The new associate circuit judge position shall not be included in the automatic increases in the number of associate judge positions provided by the statutory formula based on population. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026), HB 2752 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), and in HCS/HB 93 & 1139 (2025). 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (ST. CHARLES COUNTY) - CIRCUIT AND ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.600) Currently, there are six circuit judges and nine associate circuit judges in the 11th Judicial District, located in St. Charles County. This act provides for an additional circuit judges and an additional two associate circuit judges. The new circuit judge shall be elected in 2028 for a two year term and then for a full six year term in 2030. The associate circuit judge shall be elected in 2028. The new associate circuit judge position shall not be included in the automatic increases in the number of associate judge positions provided by the statutory formula based on population. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026) and is similar to SB 1393 (2026), a provision in SCS/HB 1628 (2026), HB 1890 (2026), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), HB 1390 (2025), HB 1426 (2025), HB 370 (2023), and HB 538 (2023). 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (FRANKLIN COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.630) Currently, Franklin County, located in the 20th Judicial District, has three associate circuit judges per the statutory formula. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge for Franklin County to be appointed by the Governor until January 1, 2029, and elected thereafter. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), and is substantially similar to SB 1587 (2026), a provision in SCS/HB 1625 (2026), and HB 2386 (2026). 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MARIES, PHELPS, PULASKI & TEXAS) - CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.700) This act codifies three circuit judges, including the circuit judge approved in the FY2026 appropriation and appointed by the Governor in 2026, in the 25th Judicial Circuit, consisting of the counties of Maries, Phelps, Pulaski & Texas. The circuit judge appointed in 2026 shall serve until January 1, 2029, and then the position shall be filled by an election of a four year term in 2028 and then a full six year term in 2032 and thereafter. This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in HCS/SB 945 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), and HB 3229 (2026). 26TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MILLER COUNTY) - ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES (SECTION 478.705) Currently, Miller County, located in the 26th Judicial District, has one associate circuit judges per the statutory formula. This act provides for an additional associate circuit judge for Miller County to be appointed by the Governor until January 1, 2029, and elected thereafter. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026). COURT RECORDS (SECTIONS 483.005 & 483.082) This act provides that subject to the Missouri Supreme Court Rules and the supervisory authority of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the confidential information and confidential records in a case record shall be maintained so as to be inaccessible to the general public under Missouri Supreme Court Rules. The terms "case record," "confidential information," and "confidential judicial records" are defined in the act. This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and HCS/HB 3289 (2026). 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (MARIES, PHELPS, PULASKI & TEXAS) - FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONERS (SECTION 487.020) Currently, the majority of the circuit and associate circuit judges en banc may appoint, in addition to those commissioners serving as commissioners of the juvenile division and the family court, no more than three additional commissioners to hear family court cases. This act provides that the judges of the 25th Judicial District, consisting of the counties of Maries, Phelps, Pulaski & Texas, may appoint no more than four additional commissioners beginning FY2028 (July 1, 2027). This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026). 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (CLAY COUNTY) - FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONERS (SECTION 487.020) Currently, the state is reimbursed for the salaries of family court commissioners appointed after August 28, 1993. There is an exception for the 11th (St. Charles County), 13th (Callaway and Boone Counties), and 31st (Greene County) Judicial Circuits, which allows one family court commissioner to be compensated by the state without requiring reimbursement. This act applies the exception to the 7th Judicial Circuit, consisting of Clay County. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026), SB 1717 (2026), in HCS/HBs 2968, 2427 & 3086 (2026), HB 3387 (2026), and HB 3449 (2026). COURT AUTOMATION COURT FEE (SECTION 488.012 & 488.027) This act increases the fee amount in all circuit civil cases and in all criminal cases for the Statewide Court Automation Fund from $7 to $10. Beginning July 1, 2027, the fee for the Statewide Court Automation Fund shall be adjusted annually based on inflation. These provisions are identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and HCS/HB 3443 (2026) and is similar to SB 455 (2021), SB 950 (2020), a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 67 (2019), in SCS/SB 270 (2019), and HB 2262 (2018). ST. LOUIS CITY CIVIL CASE FILING FEE (SECTION 488.426) Currently, any circuit court may collect a civil case filing surcharge of an amount not to exceed $15 for the maintenance of a law library, the county's or circuit's family services and justice fund, or courtroom renovation and technology enhancement. If the circuit court reimburses the state for salaries of family court commissioners or is the circuit court in Jackson County, the surcharge may be up to $20. This act provides that the circuit court in the City of St. Louis may charge a filing surcharge up to $20. This provision is identical to a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in HCS/SB 945 (2026), in the perfected SS#2/SCS/SB 1023 (2026), in SCS/SB 1468 (2026), in SCS/HB 3000 (2026), SB 18 (2025), in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), SB 800 (2025), in HB 1512 (2024), and in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), and is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 897 (2024), SB 1023 (2024), CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 252 (2023), HB 787 (2023), in HCS/HB 986 (2023), in the perfected HCS/HBs 994, 52 & 984 (2023), SB 1209 (2022), HB 1963 (2022), HB 143 (2021), HB 1554 (2020), HB 1224 (2019), in the perfected HCS/HB 1083 (2019), HB 1891 (2018), SB 288 (2017), HB 391 (2017), and SB 812 (2016). TECHNICAL CORRECTION FOR ACTIONS AGAINST NONRESIDENT MOTORISTS (SECTION 506.290) This act makes a technical correction to the intersectional reference in the provisions relating to civil procedure for actions against nonresident motorists. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). EXCLUSION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION IN COURT DOCUMENTS (SECTION 509.520) Currently, certain information shall be excluded from pleadings, attachments, exhibits, judgments, orders, or other records of the court, but shall be included in a confidential information sheet filed with the court, which shall not be subject to public inspection or availability. This act reverts to the statutory language prior to the 2023 amendments and provides only the exclusion of Social Security numbers of parties or children subject to an order of custody or support and credit and financial information of any parties from pleadings, attachments, or exhibits filed with the court in any case, as well as judgments issued by the court. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and in HCS/HB 3289 (2026). TECHNICAL CHANGE IN DISCOVERY ORDERS (SECTION 510.030) This act includes "or her" in a provision relating to production or inspection of certain tangible items or property. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). INTERSTATE DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY ACT (SECTIONS 510.500 TO 510.521) This act establishes the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, which provides procedures for out-of-state subpoenas for certain forms of discovery conducted in Missouri. To request a subpoena in Missouri, a party shall submit a foreign subpoena to a clerk of the court in the county in which discovery is sought to be conducted. The clerk shall promptly issue a subpoena, which shall incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena and include contact information of the attorneys and any party not represented by an attorney in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates. A request for issuance of a subpoena pursuant to this act shall not constitute an appearance in Missouri courts. The Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure and the laws of this state apply to subpoenas issued pursuant to this act and such subpoenas shall be served in compliance with such rules and laws. Additionally, an application for a protective order or to enforce, quash, or modify a subpoena issued by clerk of this state shall comply with such court rules and laws of this state. However, in applying and construing this act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity among the states. These provisions shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on August 28, 2026. These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 1180 (2026), SB 1386 (2026), HB 1711 (2026), in HCS/HB 3116 (2026), in HCS/HB 83 (2025), HB 128 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in HCS/SS/SB 221 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), SCS/SB 897 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), SB 394 (2023), and SB 1005 (2022) and are substantially similar to provisions in HB 1452 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), HB 84 (2023), in SCS/HCS/HBs 994, 52 & 984 (2023), HB 1549 (2022), HB 347 (2021), and HB 2570 (2020). COSTS AND EXPENSES IN MISSOURI COMMERCIAL RECEIVERSHIP ACT (SECTION 515.625) This act adds a comma in the provision regarding distribution for claims not disallowed by the court under the Missouri Commercial Receivership Act for the actual, necessary costs, and any expenses incurred during the administration of the receivership. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 3116 (2026). UNIFORM PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION ACT (SECTION 537.529 AND THE REPEAL OF SECTION 537.528) This act establishes the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act". Currently, any action against a person for conduct or speech undertaken or made in connection with a public hearing or meeting in a quasi-judicial proceeding before a tribunal or decision-making body of the state or a political subdivision thereof is subject to a special motion to dismiss, a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or motion for summary judgment and any such motion shall be considered by the court on a priority or expedited basis. This act repeals this provision and creates procedures for dismissal of causes of action asserted in a civil action based on a person's: (1) Communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; (2) Communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or (3) Exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble or petition, or the right of association, guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Missouri Constitution, on a matter of public concern. However, this act shall not apply to a cause of action asserted: (1) Against a governmental unit, as described in the act, or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity; (2) By a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or (3) Against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the sale or lease of such goods or services. No later than 60 days after a party is served with a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim, third-party claim, or other pleading that asserts a cause of action covered by this act, or at a later time upon a showing of good cause, a party may file a special motion to dismiss. The court shall hear and rule on such motion no later than 60 days after the filing of the motion, unless the court orders a later hearing to allow for limited discovery or upon good cause. However, this act provides that the court shall hear and rule on the motion for dismissal no later than 60 days after the order allowing for discovery. This act provides that all other proceedings between the moving party and the responding party in the action, including discovery and any pending hearings or motions, shall be stayed upon the filing of the special motion to dismiss. Additionally, this act provides that the court may stay, upon motion by the moving party, a hearing or motion involving another party or discovery by another party if a ruling on such hearing or motion or discovery relates to a legal or factual issue. Any stay pursuant to this act shall remain in effect until the entry of an order ruling on the special motion to dismiss and the expiration of the time to appeal the order. A moving party may appeal an order denying the special motion to dismiss in whole or in part within 21 days of such order. If a party appeals an order ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that all proceedings between all parties shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal. The court may allow discovery if a party shows that specific information is necessary to establish whether a party has satisfied or failed to satisfy the requirements of this act and such information is not reasonably available without discovery. Additionally, a motion for costs and expenses, voluntary dismissal, or a motion to sever shall not be stayed. During a stay, the court upon good cause may hear and rule on any motions unrelated to the special motion to dismiss and any motions seeking a special or preliminary injunction to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety. In ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that the court shall consider the parties' pleadings, the motion, any replies and responses to the motion, and any evidence that could be considered in a ruling on a motion for summary judgment. The court shall dismiss the cause of action with prejudice if: (1) The moving party has established that the cause of action is covered by this act; (2) The responding party has failed to establish that this act does not apply to the cause of action; and (3) Either the responding party failed to establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action, or the moving party has established that the responding party failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted or that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A voluntary dismissal without prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss pursuant to this act shall not affect the moving party's right to obtain a ruling on the motion and seek costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Additionally, if the moving party prevails on the motion, this act provides that such costs, fees, and expenses shall be awarded to the moving party. A voluntary dismissal with prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss establishes that the moving party prevailed on the motion. The responding party shall be entitled to such costs, fees, and expenses if the responding party prevails on the motion and the court finds that the motion was frivolous or filed solely with the intent to delay the proceeding. Finally, this act applies to causes of action filed or asserted on or after August 28, 2026. These provisions are identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in SCS/SB 1468 (2026), SB 503 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), and SB 1293 (2024) and are substantially similar to HB 2666 (2026), provisions in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), HB 1092 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1785 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 432 (2023), HB 750 (2023), SB 1219 (2022), in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022), HB 2624 (2022), and HB 1151 (2021). MISSOURI EXPUNGEMENT FUND (SECTION 610.144) This act creates the "Missouri Expungement Fund" which shall be expended by the Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA), the Department of Public Safety, and the Information Technology Services Division of the Office of Administration on the statewide court automation case management system and the Missouri criminal history record information system for purposes detailed in the act related to expungement or the closing of records or the cost of necessary personnel or contractors. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SB 945 (2026) and HCS/HB 2967 (2026), is substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SBs 854 & 1494 (2026), in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/SB 1421 (2026), in SB 1807 (2026), and in SCS/HCS/HBs 2747 & 2047 (2026), and is similar to a provision in HB 2954 (2026), in SB 19 (2025), in SB 424 (2025), in SB 435 (2025), in SB 763 (2024), in SB 1161 (2024), in SB 1194 (2024), in SB 347 (2023), in HB 352 (2023), in SB 531 (2023), and in HB 1168 (2023). KATIE O'BRIEN Perfected Print SB 1067 - This act establishes the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act". Currently, any action against a person for conduct or speech undertaken or made in connection with a public hearing or meeting in a quasi-judicial proceeding before a tribunal or decision-making body of the state or a political subdivision thereof is subject to a special motion to dismiss, a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or motion for summary judgment and any such motion shall be considered by the court on a priority or expedited basis. This act repeals this provision and creates procedures for dismissal of causes of action asserted in a civil action based on a person's: (1) Communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; (2) Communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or (3) Exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble or petition, or the right of association, guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Missouri Constitution, on a matter of public concern. However, this act shall not apply to a cause of action asserted: (1) Against a governmental unit, as described in the act, or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity; (2) By a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or (3) Against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the sale or lease of such goods or services. No later than 60 days after a party is served with a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim, third-party claim, or other pleading that asserts a cause of action covered by this act, or at a later time upon a showing of good cause, a party may file a special motion to dismiss. The court shall hear and rule on such motion no later than 60 days after the filing of the motion, unless the court orders a later hearing to allow for limited discovery or upon good cause. However, this act provides that the court shall hear and rule on the motion for dismissal no later than 60 days after the order allowing for discovery. This act provides that all other proceedings between the moving party and the responding party in the action, including discovery and any pending hearings or motions, shall be stayed upon the filing of the special motion to dismiss. Additionally, this act provides that the court may stay, upon motion by the moving party, a hearing or motion involving another party or discovery by another party if a ruling on such hearing or motion or discovery relates to a legal or factual issue. Any stay pursuant to this act shall remain in effect until the entry of an order ruling on the special motion to dismiss and the expiration of the time to appeal the order. A moving party may appeal an order denying the special motion to dismiss in whole or in part within 21 days of such order. If a party appeals an order ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that all proceedings between all parties shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal. The court may allow discovery if a party shows that specific information is necessary to establish whether a party has satisfied or failed to satisfy the requirements of this act and such information is not reasonably available without discovery. Additionally, a motion for costs and expenses, voluntary dismissal, or a motion to sever shall not be stayed. During a stay, the court upon good cause may hear and rule on any motions unrelated to the special motion to dismiss and any motions seeking a special or preliminary injunction to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety. In ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that the court shall consider the parties' pleadings, the motion, any replies and responses to the motion, and any evidence that could be considered in a ruling on a motion for summary judgment. The court shall dismiss the cause of action with prejudice if: (1) The moving party has established that the cause of action is covered by this act; (2) The responding party has failed to establish that this act does not apply to the cause of action; and (3) Either the responding party failed to establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action, or the moving party has established that the responding party failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted or that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A voluntary dismissal without prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss pursuant to this act shall not affect the moving party's right to obtain a ruling on the motion and seek costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Additionally, if the moving party prevails on the motion, this act provides that such costs, fees, and expenses shall be awarded to the moving party. A voluntary dismissal with prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss establishes that the moving party prevailed on the motion. The responding party shall be entitled to such costs, fees, and expenses if the responding party prevails on the motion and the court finds that the motion was frivolous or filed solely with the intent to delay the proceeding. Finally, this act applies to causes of action filed or asserted on or after August 28, 2026. This act is identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), SCS/SB 1468 (2026), SB 503 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), and SB 1293 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2666 (2026), provisions in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), HB 1092 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1785 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 432 (2023), HB 750 (2023), SB 1219 (2022), in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022), HB 2624 (2022), and HB 1151 (2021). KATIE O'BRIEN Introduced Print SB 1067 - This act establishes the "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act". Currently, any action against a person for conduct or speech undertaken or made in connection with a public hearing or meeting in a quasi-judicial proceeding before a tribunal or decision-making body of the state or a political subdivision thereof is subject to a special motion to dismiss, a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or motion for summary judgment and any such motion shall be considered by the court on a priority or expedited basis. This act repeals this provision and creates procedures for dismissal of causes of action asserted in a civil action based on a person's: (1) Communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; (2) Communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or (3) Exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble or petition, or the right of association, guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Missouri Constitution, on a matter of public concern. However, this act shall not apply to a cause of action asserted: (1) Against a governmental unit, as described in the act, or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity; (2) By a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or (3) Against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the sale or lease of such goods or services. No later than 60 days after a party is served with a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim, third-party claim, or other pleading that asserts a cause of action covered by this act, or at a later time upon a showing of good cause, a party may file a special motion to dismiss. The court shall hear and rule on such motion no later than 60 days after the filing of the motion, unless the court orders a later hearing to allow for limited discovery or upon good cause. However, this act provides that the court shall hear and rule on the motion for dismissal no later than 60 days after the order allowing for discovery. This act provides that all other proceedings between the moving party and the responding party in the action, including discovery and any pending hearings or motions, shall be stayed upon the filing of the special motion to dismiss. Additionally, this act provides that the court may stay, upon motion by the moving party, a hearing or motion involving another party or discovery by another party if a ruling on such hearing or motion or discovery relates to a legal or factual issue. Any stay pursuant to this act shall remain in effect until the entry of an order ruling on the special motion to dismiss and the expiration of the time to appeal the order. A moving party may appeal an order denying the special motion to dismiss in whole or in part within 21 days of such order. If a party appeals an order ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that all proceedings between all parties shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal. The court may allow discovery if a party shows that specific information is necessary to establish whether a party has satisfied or failed to satisfy the requirements of this act and such information is not reasonably available without discovery. Additionally, a motion for costs and expenses, voluntary dismissal, or a motion to sever shall not be stayed. During a stay, the court upon good cause may hear and rule on any motions unrelated to the special motion to dismiss and any motions seeking a special or preliminary injunction to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety. In ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that the court shall consider the parties' pleadings, the motion, any replies and responses to the motion, and any evidence that could be considered in a ruling on a motion for summary judgment. The court shall dismiss the cause of action with prejudice if: (1) The moving party has established that the cause of action is covered by this act; (2) The responding party has failed to establish that this act does not apply to the cause of action; and (3) Either the responding party failed to establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action, or the moving party has established that the responding party failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted or that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A voluntary dismissal without prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss pursuant to this act shall not affect the moving party's right to obtain a ruling on the motion and seek costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Additionally, if the moving party prevails on the motion, this act provides that such costs, fees, and expenses shall be awarded to the moving party. A voluntary dismissal with prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss establishes that the moving party prevailed on the motion. The responding party shall be entitled to such costs, fees, and expenses if the responding party prevails on the motion and the court finds that the motion was frivolous or filed solely with the intent to delay the proceeding. Finally, this act applies to causes of action filed or asserted on or after August 28, 2026. This act is identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 835 & 1111 (2026), in SCS/SB 1468 (2026), SB 503 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 615 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 1259 (2025), and SB 1293 (2024) and is substantially similar to HB 2666 (2026), provisions in HCS/HB 83 (2025), in SCS/HCS/HB 176 (2025), in SB 352 (2025), HB 1092 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1785 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 432 (2023), HB 750 (2023), SB 1219 (2022), in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022), HB 2624 (2022), and HB 1151 (2021). KATIE O'BRIEN