Bill overhauling punitive damages heads to Parson

The Missouri Senate yesterday gave its stamp of approval to a reform bill involving punitive damages.

It's now headed to Gov. Mike Parson after the Missouri House approved its own legislation on the issue.

Backed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the bill is designed to make it more difficult for punitive damages to be awarded in legal cases. The bill requires proof that the defendant harmed the plaintiff "without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others."

While opponents have argued punitive damages already are difficult to obtain in Missouri, chamber officials have said they're being overused in the state.

Read more from the St. Louis Business Journal.