MO HB77

Defines "vexatious litigant" as a pro se litigant or one with limited attorney representation who has filed at least five unsuccessful or stalled litigations within seven years, repeatedly relitigates resolved matters, files frivolous motions, or was previously declared vexatious by another court

Allows defendants to motion for plaintiffs deemed vexatious litigants to furnish security (including attorneys' fees) or face dismissal if there is no reasonable probability the plaintiff will prevail

Authorizes courts to enter prefiling orders prohibiting vexatious litigants from filing new pro se litigation without first obtaining permission from a presiding judge, with violations punishable as contempt of court

Requires the state courts administrator to maintain and annually distribute a list of vexatious litigants subject to prefiling orders to all court clerks in Missouri

Exempts cases brought under chapters 451 to 455 (domestic relations matters including divorce and protection orders) from the prefiling order restrictions