April 27, 2021 - The House Rules - Legislative Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. Phil Christofanelli, voted against advancing SB 51, a bill sponsored by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer.
The bill passed the Missouri Senate after intense negotiations with trial attorneys and would provide businesses protection against frivolous lawsuits from plaintiffs' attorneys alleging their clients were harmed due to exposure to COVID-19.
The vote to advance the bill to the House floor failed on a vote of 3 in favor, 7 against. The Chairman changed his vote from "yes" to "no" to allow him to reconsider the vote at a later date. If not reconsidered, the bill will die.
"Associated Industries of Missouri calls on all legislators to put the needs of our employers and citizens ahead of political maneuvering and pass this bill," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri.
There are less than three weeks left in the 2021 Legislative Session.