MO HB696

Voids and makes unenforceable any covenant or agreement in construction contracts requiring one party to indemnify, hold harmless, insure, or defend another party against liability caused by that party's own negligence or wrongdoing.

Allows indemnification agreements for a party's own negligence or wrongdoing and the negligence or wrongdoing of its subcontractors, suppliers, officers, employees, and agents.

Permits parties to purchase project-specific insurance policies, including owner's protective liability, project management protective liability, or builder's risk insurance without violating the indemnification restrictions.

Exempts certain contracts from these restrictions, including those between governmental entities, agreements with government for use of public property, construction bonds and insurance contracts, and railroad agreements.

Requires that construction contracts for work substantially performed in Missouri be subject to Missouri law and that any disputes be conducted in Missouri, with conflicting contract provisions made void and unenforceable.

Applies to contracts entered into after August 28, 2011.