New Paid Sick Leave Legislation Under Fire in Missouri

Missouri’s new sick leave law (available here) becomes effective May 1, 2025.  Sick leave accrues at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked.  For employers with 15 or more employees in the State, employees are entitled to use up to 56 sick leave hours per year, and for employers with less than 15 employees, employees can use up to 40 sick leave hours per year.  Up to 80 unused sick leave hours can be carried from year to year and payout of the accrued balance is not required upon separation of employment.  There is no waiting period before employees can use sick leave.  If rehired by the same employer within nine months of separation, previously unused sick leave is restored to the worker.  The law cannot be waived by collective bargaining agreement.  Starting April 15, 2025, a poster must also be posted at the workplace, and individual notice must be given to each employee within 14 days of hire.  The State will create a model poster and notice, and presumably FAQs, but these are not yet available.   

Notwithstanding the above, paid sick leave is under attack from business groups seeking to repeal this new legislation.  In December, lawmakers introduced bills that would either provide an exemption for certain businesses, modify paid sick leave hours, or delay the implementation of paid sick leave for certain employees.  Hence, employers with employees in Missouri should watch for possible changes.