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Sponsor seeks to remove $75 hourly cap on attorneys’ fees for licensing proceedings
Summary
Representative Cameron Parker told the committee House Bill 179 would repeal a statutory $75-per-hour fee cap for counsel in licensing proceedings, saying the figure dates to 1989 and limits access to counsel; the Missouri Bar supported the change while the state public advocate asked for an updated fiscal note.
Representative Cameron Parker introduced House Bill 179, proposing to repeal statutory language that limits attorney-fee awards in certain licensing or disciplinary proceedings to $75 per hour. Parker said the $75 rate "was done in 1989. It has not been changed since then and...licensed professionals...have to hire an attorney" but face an unrealistic fee cap.
Supporters included Andy Briscoe, registered lobbyist for the Missouri Bar, who stated the Bar supported the proposal as a legislative priority. Parker and supporters argued the cap prevents licensees and others in disciplinary or licensing matters from hiring counsel when the statutory fee limit is too low to attract representation.
Arnie C. A. Dinos, the state public advocate, testified for informational purposes and raised concerns about the fiscal note and the potential cost implications of repealing the cap; he asked the committee to ensure the fiscal note reflected realistic costs. The committee heard no opposition on record and concluded the public hearing on House Bill 179.
The bill would leave decisions about reasonable attorney compensation in the hands of courts or applicable administrative bodies, removing the legislative cap that supporters said is out of date.
