The Missouri Senate has thrown its full weight behind a plan to swat down lawsuits that critics say are weaponized to shut people up. On Thursday, April 2, senators voted unanimously to advance a bill aimed at cutting off meritless cases targeting speech on public issues, giving defendants a quicker way to get flimsy claims tossed and recoup their legal bills.
The Senate signed off on SB 1067, known as the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, in a 31-0 roll call on April 2, according to LegiScan. That tracking shows the bill has been perfected in the Senate and is now on its way across the Capitol to the Missouri House.
How the bill would work
Under SB 1067, a defendant could file a special motion to dismiss no later than 60 days after being served. Once that motion hits the docket, discovery and most other proceedings would generally be put on hold, and the court would be required to hear and decide the motion within a set timeframe.
The proposal sets up an expedited appeal route if a judge denies the motion to dismiss. It also says a defendant who wins that motion may recover costs, attorney fees, and other litigation expenses. At the same time, if a responding party beats back a frivolous motion, that party could seek fees as well. The measure specifies that courts would apply the law to causes of action filed on or after Aug. 28, 2026, according to the bill text from the Missouri Senate.
Backers and supporters
Sen. Mike Henderson, who is carrying the bill, told reporters the goal is to shield people from costly litigation that can chill speech. Groups including the Missouri Press Association and Missouri Right to Life pushed lawmakers to widen anti-SLAPP protections, according to Missouri Independent. Supporters also told the outlet that the bill's fee-shifting provisions are designed to discourage weak defamation suits and bring Missouri more in line with other states that have stronger safeguards for public commentary.
What comes next
The measure now heads to the Missouri House for debate and any potential amendments, per LegiScan. If the House signs off on SB 1067 and the governor approves it, courts would use the new process for cases filed on or after Aug. 28, 2026.
