Missouri Aligns Class Action Rule With Federal Standards

Effective August 28, 2025, Missouri will implement revisions to its class action framework through the enactment of Senate Bill 47 (SB 47). These revisions amend Missouri Supreme Court Rule 52.08 to more closely track Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23, promoting consistency between state and federal class action standards.

Specific Requirements for Certification Orders

Under the revised Missouri rule, any order certifying a class must define the class claims, issues, or defenses to be adjudicated on a classwide basis, consistent with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(c). The revised rule also adopts the federal standard requiring that orders granting or denying class certification be issued "at an early practicable time" after commencement of the action.