Missouri Supreme Court Upholds Paid Sick Leave Law Amid Legislative Challenges
Columbia, MO — The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously upheld Proposition A, a voter-approved law expanding paid sick leave, which is set to take effect on May 1. Chief Justice Mary Russell declared the election results valid, dismissing claims of irregularities raised by business groups who have sought to overturn the law since its approval in November.
Despite the court’s ruling, opposition continues as lawmakers debate a repeal bill, HB 567, which has cleared the House and awaits Senate discussion. Business leaders, including Kara Corches from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, argue for the law’s repeal, claiming it imposes costly requirements that would greatly affect small businesses.
Proposition A, which passed with nearly 58% support, mandates that employers with over $500,000 in annual receipts provide paid sick leave—an estimated 728,000 Missourians currently lack such benefits. The law entails stipulations like one hour of leave per 30 hours worked, with larger employers required to provide up to 56 hours annually.
Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin has been advocating for a full repeal, stating the Senate could modify the law until the session ends on May 16. In response, Senate Democrat Brian Williams emphasized the need to honor voters’ choices in negotiations and expressed concerns over trust among lawmakers.
As the legislative landscape continues to shift, community leaders like Terrence Wise, representing workers’ rights groups, are committed to advocating for labor protections. "This decision proves that when we fight, we win," he asserted, highlighting the ongoing commitment to uphold workers’ rights in Missouri.
This article originally appeared in the Missouri Independent, with reporting contributions from Rudi Keller.
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