HB 68 advances to Senate: What Missouri's new personal injury statute could mean for businesses and survivors

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – This week, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 68, a bill that seeks to reduce the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Currently, individuals have five years from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit. Under the new legislation, this period will be reduced to two years for injuries occurring after August 28, 2025.

Sponsored by State Rep. Matthew Overcast, the bill aims to bring Missouri in line with other states that have shorter time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. Supporters of the bill argue that the current five-year timeframe is excessive compared to the two-year limit in 25 states and a three-year limit in 16 other states. They believe the change will encourage quicker resolutions of claims, lower insurance costs, and create a more business-friendly legal environment.

"House Bill 68 is about fairness, efficiency, and strengthening Missouri’s legal climate," said Rep. Overcast, R-Ava. "Missouri’s outdated five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims is among the longest in the nation—far exceeding the standard in 45 other states. This isn’t just a legal technicality; it’s an issue of economic vitality and judicial efficiency. By reducing the statute of limitations to two years, we will help Missouri businesses thrive while preserving evidence, reducing legal uncertainties, and streamlining the litigation process."

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has prioritized legal reforms that reduce excessive litigation costs and promote a more business-friendly climate, positioning Missouri as a national leader in economic development. HB 68 directly reflects this vision, ensuring faster resolutions of claims, reduced legal burdens on businesses, and a stronger economy for all Missourians.

During debate, the House also amended HB 68 with Overcast’s support to include language extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Under the amendment sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, survivors will now have 20 years after turning 21—or three years from the time they discover the abuse caused their injury or illness, whichever is later—to file a lawsuit. This change replaces the current 10-year limitation and provides survivors of abuse with more time to seek justice.

Advocates for survivors praised the amendment, noting that trauma and psychological barriers often delay the recognition of abuse-related injuries. They argue that the expanded time frame aligns with a growing national movement to provide greater legal recourse for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Following a House vote of 92-42, HB 68 now moves to the Missouri Senate for further review and debate. If passed, the bill would significantly alter the time frame in which Missourians can pursue legal action for personal injury claims, setting a precedent for quicker litigation timelines in the state.