Employers concerned about paid sick leave requirements

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

Proposition A was the main topic at the Eggs and Issues breakfast, where six offices at state and national levels gave legislative updates.

Speaking at the event were State Rep. Mitch Boggs, R-LaRussell; State Rep. Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob; State Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove; State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick; Chris Yaudas, representing the office of U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-MO; and Tucker Jones, representing the office of U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-MO.

Each speaker was allotted five minutes to give a legislative update. The floor was then opened up for questions from attendees. 

The conversations focused primarily on Proposition A, which raises the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour in 2025 and $15 per hour by 2026. It also mandates that a majority of Missouri workers receive at least one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked.

The proposition passed in November with 57.6% of the vote, however representatives and attendees discussed the complications facing employers. 

Addressing questions from attendees, Cupps said that the proposition was written so one-sided that business owners and even individuals who hire somebody for a one-time job, could be affected negatively. 

“[As a business owner and public representative], I have got to look at the people’s side and go, ‘OK, what’s going to be fair for everyone?’”

He also noted uncertainties in the proposition that seemed to contradict past motions. This was in reference to a portion of the proposition that allowed employees to accrue and use sick leave for “qualifying” reasons, but also seemed to limit employer’s ability to question sick leave used. 

“The same people that during COVID that wanted to know why you’re at work and what you’ve got wrong with you before you come back to work are now the same people going, ‘You can’t ask those questions,’” Cupps said. “It’s all over the place. So, we’ve got to find something we can all live with.”

Cupps emphasized that the minimum wage increase was not the main concern, but rather paid sick leave that seemed to be unchecked, leaving business owners with no recourse for employees who may take advantage. 

He also said he wanted to make clear that this proposition was not put on the ballot by legislators, but rather, placed on the ballot through an initiative petition.

On May 14, Missouri Senate passed bill HB 567 which repealed the paid sick leave requirement of the proposition. The bill also repealed a portion of the minimum wage increase provision. 

While the minimum wage is still on track to be set at $15 per hour by 2026, a portion of the proposition that would impact future increases was repealed. 

The portion repealed would have based future increases to minimum wage by the Consumer Price index beginning in 2027. 

As House Bill 567 does not contain an emergency clause, however, the bill will not immediately become effective. 

Missouri Employers must still function under the rules set by Proposition A through Aug. 28, 2025.