JEFFERSON CITY — Today (11-13), Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, announced he will reintroduce legislation during the 2014 legislative session to address the aftermath of a Missouri Supreme Court decision striking down limits on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases. 

“Following the Watts ruling, I immediately called for the General Assembly to revisit tort reform,” stated Sen. Dixon. “In January 2013, I introduced a bill in direct response to the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision, and I intend to press forward next year with legislation. I applaud the Senate and House sponsors who also filed bills on this issue, and I intend to work closely with them to find a solution capable of passing the General Assembly and withstanding future court challenges.” 

During the 2013 session, Sen. Dixon offered Senate Bill 64. The bill would have changed the evidentiary standard for noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases from “preponderance of the evidence” to the stricter “clear and convincing” standard. The Missouri Constitution and case law both clearly affirm the power of the General Assembly to alter rules of evidence.     

“A one-vote margin was a shaky foundation to overturn more than 20 years of precedent and drastically alter the legal landscape with a novel interpretation of our state constitution’s right to jury trial,” noted Sen. Dixon. “Legislators have a duty to make certain our legislative response doesn’t simply lead to another round of litigation and bad case law. Access to quality health care remains a pressing issue, and we can’t afford to lose health care providers to other states. More than ever, Missouri doctors, patients and citizens are counting on greater clarity and certainty, not more turmoil.” 

For more information on SB 64, or other sponsored bills, visit Sen. Dixon’s website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon and click on the Legislation tab.