Trout v. State

JOSEPH P. DANDURAND, Judge.

The State of Missouri (the State) appeals the Cole County Circuit Court’s award of attorneys fees to James Trout. Upon review, we find no abuse of discretion and affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Facts

On January 1, 2007, House Bill 1900 was signed by the Governor and became effective. As described in its title, the bill was an act “[t]o repeal [twelve sections], and to enact in lieu thereof sixteen new sections relating to ethics.” On January 2, 2007, James Trout filed a petition for declaratory judgment and injunctive relief against the State of Missouri as well as…