Creates new provisions for political subdivisions contracts for legal services
HB 3347 requires Missouri political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and local governments) to follow specific steps before entering legal contracts where lawyers are paid only if they win the case (contingent fees). It mandates public meetings to explain the need for such contracts, written findings justifying why regular hourly-rate contracts aren’t feasible, and approval from the state Attorney General. The Attorney General can reject contracts that conflict with state legal positions or professional conduct rules, and non-compliant contracts risk dismissal in court. This bill directly affects local governments seeking outside legal help for lawsuits or legal matters.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 18, 2026
Last action Apr 9, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
House Committee Substitute
·
2 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to expand its scope from a single chapter to two chapters (67 and 311) of the Missouri Revised Statutes. This change adds a new section to Chapter 311, broadening the legal framework to cover political subdivisions more comprehensively. Additionally, a new provision was added to exempt any legal actions initiated before August 28, 2026, from the new rules.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include Chapter 311 in addition to Chapter 67, resulting in two new sections (67.5500 and 311.038) rather than just one.
SCOPE
The bill now amends both Chapter 67 and Chapter 311 of the Revised Statutes, increasing the number of affected legal sections from one to two.
TIMELINE
A new exemption was added stating that the new rules do not apply to any legal actions brought before August 28, 2026.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 5 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 0
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Committee
Referred: Commerce(H)
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jim Murphy
RRepublican
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