Mo. House restricts lawsuits against businesses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation restricting lawsuits that stem from some crimes committed at businesses.

Business owners would not have to guard against crimes unless they know one is about to be committed or the same crime has occurred there during the past two years. Under the bill, someone who sues the business would need to prove businesses' conduct caused or contributed to their injury.

The legislation also would bar businesses from enacting a ban on guns being stored in vehicles on their property.

House members endorsed the legislation Wednesday. It needs another vote before moving to the state Senate.

Some critics argued that the lawsuit restrictions would shield businesses even if they do not behave responsibly.