Near the end of the 2025 regular session of the Missouri General Assembly, the Senate employed a surprising and rarely used move, the “previous question” motion, that allows for stopping all debate and immediately bringing a bill to a vote on the floor.
The Senate used the “PQ” motion on back-to-back bills to pass two priorities of the Republican Caucus. Those bills were House Bill 567, 546, 758 & 958 (minimum wage and paid sick leave) and SJR 73 (abortion restrictions), and they provided lots of tense moments during the session and remained top priorities throughout the year.
The Missouri Senate had both bills up for debate on May 14, and both received fierce opposition and were subject to lengthy filibusters from the Senate Democrat Caucus. Senate leadership attempted to negotiate a package that would have allowed both bills to pass, along with legislation aimed at providing financing for new stadiums to ensure the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs remain in the state of Missouri for the years to come. However, it became apparent that no deal could be reached in negotiations, and thus a decision was made by the Senate majority to forge ahead and force these issues to a final vote.
After SJR 73 and HCS #2 HB 567, et al, were approved by the Senate, the Senate Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn, and the Senate’s regular session ended. The House of Representatives stayed in session and truly agreed and finally passed some bills on May 15, then the House adjourned. The General Assembly’s regular session was originally scheduled to adjourn no later than 6:00 p.m. on May 16.
SJR 73 now heads to the ballot for which the Governor will select the date of the election. Ultimately, Missouri voters will decide if they prefer to amend our current constitutional rights to abortion and reproductive services.
The bill affecting Missouri employers, HCS #2 HB 567, et al, was sent to the Governor’s desk in early June, where a timely signature is expected, and the bill will take effect on Aug. 28, 2025. The bill sent to the Governor’s desk provides relief to employers as it repeals the CPI adjusted increases in minimum wage in future years. Also, the bill deletes in its entirety all new statutes relating to paid sick leave.
For Missouri employers, the paid sick leave law will remain in effect until August 28th, and then the new law will control. Minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026.
HCS#2 HB 567, et al, summary:
The bill modifies the schedule of minimum wage increases or decreases by terminating such schedule as of Dec. 31, 2024. Currently, the minimum wage is set to be increased or decreased on Jan. 1, 2027, and on Jan. 1 of successive years, based on increases or decreases of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The bill repeals that scheduled adjustment.
Currently, these provisions do not apply to public employers, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill changes that applicability for public employers beginning on the effective date of the bill.
The bill repeals provisions as they relate to paid sick leave requirements, including, but not limited to, under what conditions paid sick leave must be provided by employers, prohibited actions for employers and violations thereof, recordkeeping requirements, complaint and investigative procedures, a right to a cause of action for retaliation, and confidentiality of information.