Missouri Bar leaders meet with state lawmakers

Missouri Bar officers and its Government Relations Committee met with state representatives and senators before last week’s 2024 State of Judiciary at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.

The bar’s leaders met with legislators from both chambers, including each chamber’s Judiciary Committee chairs, to share information about Missouri Bar resources and how the statewide organization works to help Missouri lawyers better serve their clients and communities. They also discussed bar-initiated legislative proposals, including probate, creditor, and alternative dispute resolution matters.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with our state’s elected leaders and their dedication to serving the public,” said Ray Williams, chair of The Missouri Bar’s Government Relations Committee. “We value the opportunity to work together to improve the lives of Missourians.”

The House gave first-round approval Tuesday to House Bill 1886, sponsored by lawyer-legislator Rep. Rudy Veit, which includes the following bar-initiated proposals:

• The establishment of an alternative dispute resolution process to which a court may refer a case or category of cases;
• Modifications related to qualified spousal trusts;
• Establishment of the "Missouri Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act;" and
• Provisions related to estate planning documents executed during a state of emergency.

Legislative visits are just one aspect of the state bar’s efforts to be a resource to the Legislature and Missouri citizens. In addition, Missouri Bar committees regularly propose legislation designed to improve the law. The bar also tracks and — in some cases — takes positions on legislation impacting the administration of justice.

Click here to view a full list of bar-initiated bills for 2024. Stay up to date on bills that may impact you and your clients at The Missouri Bar’s Legislative Engagement Center.

See more photos from last week’s legislative visits on The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page.