Being a legislator, one of my most important duties is protecting the people of Missouri. That includes protecting the fairness of our courts.

Our legal system should be built on truth, transparency and equal justice. It should never be influenced by hidden money or outside interests.

Right now, there is a growing problem in courts across our country, especially here in Missouri. Outside investors are putting money into lawsuits. They are not the injured party. They are not the defendant. They are third parties who see lawsuits as a way to make a profit. In some cases, that money can even come from foreign sources.

That should concern all of us.

When foreign actors or distant investors fund lawsuits in Missouri, it raises serious questions. Whose interests are really being served? Is the case about justice for the people involved, or is it about a return on investment for someone who has never set foot in our state?

I believe Missouri courts should belong to Missourians. Our legal system exists to resolve real disputes fairly and honestly. It should not become a tool for outside groups looking to cash in.

That is why I have sponsored HB 3205 to address this issue.

This legislation would prevent foreign entities from funding lawsuits in Missouri courts. It would also require greater transparency when third-party funding is involved. If money is influencing a lawsuit, that fact should not be hidden. Judges and juries deserve to know who has a financial stake in the outcome.

Transparency builds trust. When people walk into a courtroom, they should feel confident that decisions will be based on the law and the facts. They should not have to wonder whether unseen investors are shaping the case behind the scenes.

This issue is not about taking away someone’s right to seek justice. Every Missourian deserves their day in court. If someone has been wronged, they should be able to pursue a fair outcome. Nothing in this legislation changes that.

Instead, this effort is about making sure our courts are not influenced by secret deals or foreign money. It is about protecting the integrity of our justice system.

Missouri families, small businesses and workers depend on a court system they can trust. If outside investors can quietly steer litigation for their own gain, that trust begins to erode. Over time, that hurts everyone.

We have seen how outside money can affect other parts of public life. We should not allow it to quietly reshape our courts as well.

Missouri has always valued fairness and common sense. This legislation reflects those values. It draws clear lines and sets reasonable guardrails. It puts the focus back where it belongs, on justice for the people directly involved.

Our courts are a cornerstone of our democracy. They must remain fair, transparent, and free from improper influence. I am proud to lead this effort to protect Missouri’s legal system and ensure it serves our citizens first.