FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 550
91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR SIMS.
Read 1st time February 26, 2001, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
2098S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 537, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to disability discrimination, with an emergency clause.
Section A. Chapter 537, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 537.617, to read as follows:
537.617. 1. The state of Missouri hereby grants limited consent to be sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 12101, et seq., in the state courts for the state of Missouri. The state of Missouri does not consent to be sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act in federal courts.
2. The consent hereby granted is for a maximum monetary award in the amounts described in section 537.610, RSMo. No state court shall enter a judgment for an amount in excess of the monetary limits in said section. The monetary limits set forth in said section shall apply regardless of whether the state has insurance for defense of the claim. The amount may include attorneys' fees, but shall not include punitive or exemplary damages.
3. This section shall apply to all actions pending or initiated on or after February 21, 2001.
Section B. Because of the importance of maintaining the rights of persons with disabilities in Missouri this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval.