MO HB2458

Requires claimants to prove punitive damages claims by "clear and convincing evidence" that the defendant acted intentionally with wanton, willful, malicious, or outrageous conduct, or with reckless disregard showing an evil motive

Prohibits punitive damages claims from being included in initial court filings; requires court approval to amend pleadings to add such claims, with motions due by the final pretrial conference

Shields employers, principals, associations, partnerships, and corporations from punitive damages liability for acts of agents, employees, members, partners, or shareholders unless they actively participated in, authorized, or ratified the conduct

Restructures bifurcated trials so the Attorney General prosecutes the second stage (determining punitive damages amount) before a new jury after liability is established in the first stage

Increases the state's share of punitive damage awards from 50% to 85% for deposit into the Tort Victims' Compensation Fund, with 26% of fund deposits transferred to the basic civil legal services fund