Just two weeks after Missouri’s paid sick leave law went into effect on May 1, 2025, the state legislature has moved to repeal the mandate through House Bill (HB) 567, a measure that also aims to eliminate future minimum wage inflation adjustments. The bill has been delivered to Governor Mike Kehoe, and if signed into law, the repeal would become effective August 28, 2025.
Background
The paid sick leave law and related minimum wage increases were established through Proposition A, a voter-approved ballot initiative passed in 2024. Employers across Missouri have already begun updating policies and procedures to meet the law’s new requirements, efforts that may soon become moot. For a full summary of Proposition A requirements refer this prior post from HR Works.
What’s at Stake?
If Governor Kehoe signs HB 567 into law, it will:
- Repeal the paid sick leave mandate established under Proposition A.
- Eliminate annual inflation-based increases to the state minimum wage, scheduled to begin in 2027.
Notably, the bill does not roll back the scheduled minimum wage increases already approved for 2025 and 2026 which are as follows:
- $13.75/hour on January 1, 2025
- $15.00/hour on January 1, 2026
Next Steps for Employers
Until the law is officially repealed, employers must continue to comply with the existing paid sick leave requirements. To be compliant and prepared:
- Continue implementing paid sick leave policies per Proposition A requirements, including accrual tracking and employee notifications.
- Monitor legislative developments closely, particularly for confirmation of the bill’s enactment and effective date.
- Update workforce communications if HB 567 is signed into law, including revising policy documents and removing required workplace postings.
- Evaluate broader leave policies to ensure continuity of coverage for employee absences, especially in jurisdictions with local mandates or federal protections (e.g., the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)).
HR Works will continue to monitor this topic and provide updates as more information is made available.
