Labor & Employment (Workers' Compensation)

SB 865 revises Missouri's workers' compensation law to narrow eligibility for benefits. It redefines "employee" to exclude certain business owners, religious organization volunteers, and minors working illegally, while requiring work to be a "substantial factor" in causing injury - excluding cases where work was merely a "triggering factor." The bill explicitly excludes most cardiovascular diseases, commute injuries, and non-specific occupational illnesses from coverage, listing only 9 toxic exposure diseases (like mesothelioma) as compensable. These changes aim to restrict claims by tightening definitions of work-related injuries and disabilities under the law.

HB 1709 updates Missouri's workers' compensation rules for permanent total disability claims. It establishes specific weekly payment formulas based on injury dates (1983-2038), capping benefits at 70-105% of the state average weekly wage. The bill clarifies that death benefits for permanent disability terminate with the employee, with no payments to dependents or estates. For toxic exposure claims (including mesothelioma), it creates tiered benefits: 200% of average wages for 100 weeks (non-mesothelioma) and 300% for 212 weeks (mesothelioma), with employer election options for liability.

HB 2375 revises Missouri's workers' compensation law by tightening eligibility requirements. It defines "accident" as requiring work to be the "prevailing factor" causing injury - meaning the injury must directly stem from workplace conditions, not just be triggered by work. The bill explicitly excludes ordinary diseases of life, cardiovascular issues (unless work was the primary cause), and most occupational diseases, listing only specific conditions like mesothelioma or asbestosis as compensable. This primarily affects workers seeking compensation for injuries or illnesses, making it harder to qualify by requiring a direct, primary workplace link to the injury. The law also rejects prior court interpretations that expanded coverage.