November 23, 2021

Effective July 1, 2022

In re:

(1)  Repeal of the title of Rule 55, entitled "Pleadings and Motions," and in lieu thereof adoption of a new title of Rule 55, entitled "Pleadings, Motions, and Hearings."

(2)  Repeal of the heading title and subdivision 55.30, entitled "Times and Places for Hearing Motions to be Established – Submission on Written Statements Without Oral Hearing," of Rule 55, entitled "Pleadings, Motions, and Hearings," and in lieu thereof adoption of a new heading title and a new subdivision 55.30 entitled "Times and Places for Hearings to be Established – Use of Telephone or Video Conference – Oral Hearing – Submission on Written Statements Without Oral Hearing."

1.  It is ordered that, effective July 1, 2022, the title of Rule 55 be and the same is hereby repealed and a new title of Rule 55 is hereby adopted in lieu thereof to read as follows:

55. PLEADING, MOTIONS, AND HEARINGS

2.  It is ordered that, effective July 1, 2022, the heading title and subdivision 55.30 of Rule 55 be and the same are hereby repealed and a new heading title and a new subdivision 55.30 are hereby adopted in lieu thereof to read as follows:

55.30  TIMES AND PLACES FOR HEARINGS TO BE ESTABLISHED – USE OF TELEPHONE OR VIDEO CONFERENCE – ORAL HEARING – SUBMISSION ON WRITTEN STATEMENTS WITHOUT ORAL HEARING

(a) Times and Places. Unless local conditions make it impracticable, each court shall establish regular times and places, at intervals sufficiently frequent for the prompt dispatch of business, at which motions and other matters requiring notice and hearing may be heard and disposed of; but the court at any time or place and on such notice, if any, as it considers reasonable may make orders to advance or hear motions and other matters.

(b) Use of Telephone or Video Conferencing – Oral Hearing. The court may conduct hearings on matters that do not require testimony by telephone or video conferencing. The court may also conduct hearings on matters that require testimony by telephone or video conferencing only by agreement of the parties or by order of the court on good cause shown.

(c) Submission Without Oral Argument. To expedite its business, the court may make provision by rule or order for the submission and determination of motions without oral hearing upon brief written statements of reasons in support and in opposition.

3.  It is ordered that notice of this order be published in the Journal of The Missouri Bar.

4.  It is ordered that this order be published in the South Western Reporter.