Missouri lawyers meet with state lawmakers, discuss bar-drafted legislation

Members of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors and the Legislative Committee today met with state representatives and senators as part of The Missouri Bar’s Annual Legislative Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Over the course of the morning, Missouri lawyers spoke with lawmakers from both chambers, including leadership.

The lawyers shared information about Missouri Bar resources and how the organization works to help improve the lives of all Missourians and help lawyers even better serve their clients. They also touched base about bar-drafted legislation, including a Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act.

"Missouri lawyers from a wide range of practice areas came together today to share how they can be a resource to our legislators as they advance legislation to improve the lives of their constituents," said Morry Cole, 2017-18 Missouri Bar president.

"A great example of that assistance is bar-drafted legislation that modernizes Missouri probate laws so that digital assets, like online photos or Facebook profiles, can be passed on according to one's wishes."

The proposed legislation addresses the rights, responsibilities and limits of trustees and other parties when an individual dies and leaves behind digital property, like social media accounts. The measure is House Bill 1250, sponsored by Rep. Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis, and co-sponsored by Rep. Gina Mitten, D-St. Louis. It’s counterpart in the Senate is SB 909, sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield.

Legislative Day 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, and the bar reviews legislation and often provides comments and drafting suggestions in an effort to help keep lawmakers informed about the impact of proposed legislation. 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-drafted bills for 2018.

See more photos from Wednesday’s Legislative Day on The Missouri Bar’s Facebook page.