Jefferson City, MO — Missouri lawmakers have moved to repeal legislation that provides certain workers with paid sick leave.
On May 15, the state Senate used a procedural maneuver that hasn’t been implemented in a regular session since 2017 to end a Democratic filibuster and force a vote on H.B. 567, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City).
The Senate voted 22-11 to approve the bill one day before the end of a legislative session and sent it to Gov. Mike Kehoe (R), who’s expected to sign it into law. The bill, which would go into effect on Aug. 28, would repeal sick leave provisions.
In April, the Missouri Supreme Court upheld election results that implemented Proposition A, which was approved by 58% of voters in the state. The law extends paid sick leave benefits to an additional 728,000 workers, according to the nonprofit Missouri Budget Project. The paid sick leave law went into effect May 1.
Under Prop A, employers with business receipts of more than $500,000 a year are required to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Establishments with fewer than 15 workers must allow employees to earn at least 40 hours per year. Employers with more than 15 workers are required to provide at least 56 hours of paid sick leave.
Republican lawmakers and business groups contend that Prop A is too restrictive for businesses.
Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-Belton), a co-sponsor of the bill, called Prop A – which also increased the state’s minimum wage – “a one-two punch for Missouri businesses,” claiming that it increases the cost of goods and services and has an adverse impact on small businesses in rural communities. Gallick previously suggested that workers would abuse paid leave benefits.
