Providing for a judicial forum for claims for damages stemming from climate disasters, extreme weather attributable to climate change and harms resulting from long-term changes to the climate system.
Impact
The enactment of HB 1931 aims to significantly alter existing legal structures surrounding liabilities related to climate change impacts. By explicitly allowing harmed parties to file civil actions, the bill provides a means for individuals and entities who sustain damages due to climate-related events to seek compensation. This could lead to an increase in legal claims directed at corporations and entities deemed responsible, fostering a sense of accountability for industries contributing to climate change.
Summary
House Bill 1931, also known as the Extreme Weather Recovery Act, is designed to establish a legal framework that enables individuals, businesses, and associations to seek damages for injuries and losses caused by climate disasters and extreme weather events attributable to climate change. This bill asserts the need for responsible parties to be held accountable for the harms caused by their products and actions, asserting the legislative intent to ensure a fair and just resolution for harmed parties through the judicial system.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1931 involves the definition and scope of 'responsible parties.' Critics raise concerns about the potential financial liability placed on businesses and industries, fearing that this could lead to economic burdens and deter economic development within the state. Supporters, however, argue that these measures are vital for environmental justice and protection, ensuring that those who contribute to climate change are held accountable for the adverse effects on communities and the environment.
Creates legal cause of action for persons/insurers to recover losses resulting from climate disaster against petroleum product producers based upon strict liability for deceptive/false statements as to climate impacts.
Establishes the Missouri Consent and Likeness Protection Act, which provides requirements for contracts for the use of an individual's identifiable attributes
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income.