Missouri’s New Paid Sick Time Law Takes Effect May 1, 2025
Beginning May 1, 2025, Missouri workers will benefit from a new earned paid sick time law introduced through Proposition A. This law requires most private employers in the state to provide paid sick leave to eligible employees, marking a significant change in worker benefits and protections.
What the Law Includes:
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Accrual Rate: Employees will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. There is no limit on how much time can be accrued, although there are annual usage caps based on the size of the business.
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Usage Limits: Companies with 15 or more workers may limit use to 56 hours per year, while smaller businesses can set the limit at 40 hours annually.
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How Leave Can Be Used: Employees can use paid sick time for their own health needs or to care for a family member. This includes illness, preventive care, and other medical-related reasons.
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Employer Responsibilities: Employers must have provided written notice of this policy to all employees by April 15, 2025. In addition, a workplace poster outlining the law’s main points must be displayed.
Challenges to the Law:
Although Proposition A passed with voter support, it faces ongoing legal and political challenges. A lawsuit claims the ballot measure was unconstitutional due to combining unrelated issues—paid sick leave and minimum wage increases—in a single proposal. The Missouri Supreme Court has heard arguments, but a final ruling has not yet been issued.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are attempting to repeal the paid sick leave portion of the law through House Bill 567. If successful, the repeal would not take effect until August 28, 2025, unless passed with an emergency clause.
What Employers and Workers Should Do Now:
Until any repeal or court decision takes effect, employers must comply with the law starting May 1, 2025. Employees should familiarize themselves with their rights, and employers should update policies and provide required notices to avoid potential penalties.
For more details and updates, visit the Missouri Department of Labor’s website: https://labor.mo.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com