Labor & Employment in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3427: Establishes standards in regards to covenants not to compete

HB 3427 establishes that non-compete agreements cannot be enforced against hourly wage employees. The bill specifically voids any covenant not to compete (a clause restricting work with competitors after leaving a job) for employees paid hourly wages, making such agreements unenforceable. This directly affects hourly workers in employment contracts, while leaving non-compete terms for salaried employees unaffected. The law targets a common practice that often limits job mobility for lower-wage workers.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Minimum Wage

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1657: Modifies provisions relating to the Board of Police Commissioners

SB 1657 modifies how city police departments set salaries and funding. It gives boards of police commissioners authority to set officer salaries without legislative approval (minimum current pay), requires cities to fund police at 22% of general revenue in 2025 rising to 25% by 2028, and details overtime pay rules (1.5x for hours over 40). The bill directly affects city police departments, their boards, and officers through changes to compensation structures, funding obligations, and benefit provisions like health insurance and shift differentials. Key mechanisms include mandatory minimum funding percentages, standardized overtime rates, and new allowances for academic achievement or training roles.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending Revenue Policing Sentencing Labor Standards

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3425: Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status

HB 3425 amends Missouri's anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill adds these categories to existing protections under Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) sections 213.010-213.111, making it illegal for employers (with 6+ employees), housing providers, and businesses open to the public to deny services or opportunities based on these characteristics. Key provisions define "gender identity" as an individual's gender-related identity or expression, and clarify that "veteran status" is now a protected class alongside race, religion, and disability. The law directly affects businesses, landlords, and government entities covered by Missouri's human rights statutes, requiring them to comply with these expanded protections.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

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

All labor & employment bills