Shannon Robinson, et al Missouri Cases

St. Louis and Jackson counties, along with two county health centers, appealed the circuit court's denial of their post-judgment motions to intervene as a matter of right in a declaratory judgment action against the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the denial for the health centers due to their failure to file proposed pleadings, but reversed for the counties. The Court held that the counties met all requirements for intervention as a matter of right, including timely application after DHSS decided not to appeal the judgment invalidating certain health regulations. The case was remanded with instructions to sustain the counties' motion to intervene and amend the judgment.

Several Missouri counties and health centers (Intervenors) appealed the denial of their post-judgment motions to intervene in a declaratory judgment action concerning COVID-19 regulations. The underlying action resulted in a summary judgment invalidating certain health regulations, which the Attorney General declined to appeal. The Intervenors sought to intervene to appeal that judgment. The appellate court affirmed the denial of intervention, holding that substantial justice did not require post-judgment intervention given the Intervenors' prior awareness of the litigation and the Attorney General's stance.