MO SB604

Prevailing parties in agency proceedings or civil actions against the state are entitled to reasonable attorney fees and expenses unless the state's position was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust.

Parties must submit fee award applications within 30 days of final disposition, including itemized statements showing actual time expended and rates charged by attorneys or expert witnesses.

Courts or agencies may reduce or deny fee awards if the prevailing party engaged in conduct that unreasonably protracted the proceedings.

State agencies are prohibited from requesting or receiving additional appropriations to pay fee awards; instead, agencies must forward awarded amounts to the chairs of the house budget committee and senate appropriations committee within 30 days of judgment becoming final.