A Missouri bill that would have limited uninsured motorists’ right to sue has died.

The bill was awaiting a vote before the full Senate at the close of the session May 13, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the House.

Sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, the bill would have prohibited uninsured motorists who get hit by other drivers from suing for pain and suffering damages.

It was intended to provide an incentive for irresponsible motorists to ante up for insurance and prevent them from getting a windfall by suing insured drivers.

Missouri residents who get behind the wheel without insurance cost insured drivers as much as $90 million a year in increased premiums, The Kansas City Star reported.

Yates’ effort would have waived uninsured motorists rights to sue for noneconomic – pain and suffering – damages. The uninsured drivers would have retained the right to sue for economic damages, such as medical costs, damage to a vehicle and attorneys’ fees.

HB417 would not have applied to drivers whose insurance is dropped for nonpayment and who had not received 30 days’ notice of the policy’s cancellation.