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SB 1053

SB 1053 - The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) currently allows a prevailing party in any civil action brought pursuant to that chapter to be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees. This act only permits court costs and reasonable attorney fees in cases not involving a public employer, as that term is defined in the act. This act is identical to SB 717 (2025) and HB 1145 (2025) and substantially similar to HB 2715 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Curtis Trent

Bill eliminates attorney fee awards for discrimination lawsuits against public employers under Missouri Human Rights Act, potentially reducing plaintiff incentives to sue government agencies.

Hearing Conducted S General Laws Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1053

Legislative bill overview

SB 1053 would eliminate the ability for plaintiffs to recover attorney fees in lawsuits brought under the Missouri Human Rights Act when the defendant is a public employer (such as a state agency, city, or county government). Currently, prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney fees from any employer found in violation of the Act; this bill carves out a blanket exemption for public sector employers.

Why is this important

Attorney fees provisions serve as a financial incentive for discrimination victims to pursue legal claims, especially when damages may be modest. Removing this provision for public employers could significantly reduce litigation against government agencies for alleged discrimination while shifting legal costs entirely to individual plaintiffs, potentially creating a two-tiered system where private sector discrimination victims have greater legal recourse than public sector employees.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Without attorney fee recovery, discrimination victims may struggle to afford legal representation against government employers, particularly in cases with smaller monetary damages
  • Unequal treatment: The bill creates different legal standards for public versus private employers, raising questions about whether government should receive special legal protections unavailable to private businesses
  • Government accountability: Critics may argue the bill reduces incentives for public agencies to comply with anti-discrimination laws, while supporters may contend it protects taxpayers from increased litigation costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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