Labor & Employment in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1718: Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation

SB 1718 modifies Missouri's workers' compensation law by revising the definition of "employer" and strengthening fraud penalties. It expands the definition to include political subdivisions (like cities and school districts) and clarifies that construction employers need five or more employees (not one) to be covered, counting family members toward that threshold. The bill also adds strict penalties for fraud, making false claims a class E felony (up to 4 years in prison) and multiple claims for the same injury a class A misdemeanor, with fines up to double the fraud amount or $10,000. These changes directly affect employers, insurers, and workers filing claims by tightening eligibility rules and increasing consequences for deceptive practices.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3207: Creates provisions relating to employee bereavement leave for the loss of a pet

HB 3207 requires employers with 10 or more employees in the state to provide workers with at least three days of bereavement leave when they lose a companion pet (like a dog, cat, or bird), with at least one day paid. Employees must provide reasonable documentation (such as a vet certificate) to qualify, and the leave can be taken consecutively or within 30 days of the pet's death. Employers cannot retaliate against employees using this leave, and it does not replace other available leave unless the employee chooses to combine them. The bill directly affects employees and their employers, adding pet loss to state bereavement leave protections.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Paid Leave

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1775: Establishes provisions relating to workplace violence in health care facilities and modifies provisions relating to assault in the fourth degree

SB 1775 creates new rules to prevent and address workplace violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. It directly affects healthcare facilities, staff, and individuals who commit violent acts in these settings. The bill modifies how assault charges apply when violence occurs in healthcare environments, potentially elevating penalties for such offenses. This is a substantive policy change focused on worker safety and legal accountability, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Violent Crime Hospitals Workplace Safety

in committee · Missouri · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1619: Modifies provisions relating to leaves of absence for public employees and members of the National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves

SB 1619 removes the previous 120-hour annual limit for public employees serving in the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves during federal duty, ensuring they retain full job benefits including seniority, pay, schedule, and performance evaluations without interruption. It directly affects state, county, municipal, school district, and other public employees who serve in these military roles, including volunteer firefighters (who retain all protections except monetary compensation). Key provisions require employees to submit military orders for leave verification and prohibit discrimination against service members in employment. The bill expands existing protections by eliminating the hour cap for federal service while maintaining the same requirements for state service leave.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Public Employees National Guard & Reserve

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1728: Establishes the "True Charity" Act

SB 1728 establishes Missouri's "True Charity" program within the Department of Social Services to help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. It directly affects eligible Missouri residents who are legal residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and at least 18 years old (or 16 if emancipated with consent). The program coordinates state agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to address specific barriers like unstable employment, lack of skills, housing insecurity, and basic needs through voluntary participation. Key mechanisms include requiring a dedicated website and case management system for referrals, mandating holistic support to help participants achieve personal goals, and directing participating agencies to use existing resources efficiently.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3349: Requires a two-person crew minimum for railroad trains or light engines used in connection with the removal of freight

HB 3349 requires railroad trains or light engines moving freight to operate with at least two qualified crew members, excluding helper services (assisting trains), hostler services (yard locomotive movements), or slow-speed loading/unloading (under 10 mph). Violations incur escalating fines: $1,500 for a first offense, up to $10,000 for third or subsequent offenses. The Missouri Department of Transportation enforces the rule, but the law only becomes effective after Missouri's attorney general confirms federal courts have validated the Federal Railroad Administration's two-person crew standard.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight Rail

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1651: Creates provisions relating to benefits of Soil and Water Conservation District employees

SB 1651 requires Soil and Water Conservation District employees in Missouri to receive the same healthcare benefits and rates as state employees covered under Chapter 103 of Missouri law. This bill directly affects employees working for local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which manage land and water resources. The key provision mandates that these district employees' healthcare benefits align with state employee standards, overriding any conflicting existing rules or agreements. The bill aims to standardize benefits for these public service workers without altering other employment terms.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3461: Modifies provisions relating to eligibility for a program that provides free college tuition for public safety personnel

HB 3461 modifies Missouri's program providing free public college tuition for public safety personnel. It expands eligibility to include police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, crime laboratory technicians, and telecommunicator first responders who have at least six years of service and hold current licenses/certificates for their roles. To qualify, applicants must pursue specific eligible fields (like criminal justice for police or fire science for firefighters), meet all college admission requirements, not already hold a bachelor's degree, and apply for other federal/state financial aid first. The benefit covers only tuition and mandatory fees (not room, board, or books) and lasts up to five years for eligible individuals or their legal dependents.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Tags Public Safety

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HJR 184: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race

HJR 184 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Article I, prohibiting state and local government agencies from discriminating against individuals based on race. This amendment would require voter approval in a future election (no later than November 2026) before taking effect. If adopted, it would give the Missouri legislature the authority to create laws enforcing this anti-discrimination provision. The bill directly affects all state agencies, programs, and policies subject to constitutional review, ensuring racial discrimination is barred in government actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3196: Establishes a program for providing paid leave for parents to attend certain school activities

HB 3196 requires employers with 10+ employees to provide each worker with two hours of paid leave monthly specifically for school-related activities involving their child. This covers meetings, conferences, or academic support sessions initiated by schools or childcare providers, including for foster, adopted, or children the employee cares for like a parent. Employers must pay at the employee’s regular rate (not deducted from other leave), allow 30-minute increments, and cannot retaliate against workers using this time. The state labor department enforces the law, imposing $500 penalties for willful violations, while existing benefits under contracts or other laws remain unaffected.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Child Labor Labor Standards Paid Leave

All labor & employment bills