SB 156 - This act prohibits the Department of Insurance and other state agencies from applying for, accepting, or expending federal moneys relating to the implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act unless such acceptance or expenditure is authorized by statute or an appropriations bill. The act specifically provides any taxpayer of this state or any member of the General Assembly with legal standing to bring suit against the state of Missouri or any official, department, division, agency, or political subdivision of this state which is in violation of the act in any court with jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the act. The act requires courts to grant attorney's fees, court costs, and reasonable expenses to taxpayers or legislators who are successful in bringing a lawsuit against the state or one of its agencies. The act further provides that in no case shall the award of attorney's fees, court costs, or reasonable expenses be paid from the legal defense fund, nor shall any department, division, agency, or political subdivision of this state request, or be granted, additional appropriations in order to satisfy an award made under this act.
STEPHEN WITTE