Don't miss the HBA Home & Outdoor Living Show, April 12 - 14, 2024 Wilson Logistics Arena  |  Ozark Empire Fairgrounds  |  Springfield, MO
Don't miss the HBA Home &
Outdoor Living Show
April 12 - 14, 2024
Wilson Logistics Arena
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Springfield, MO

Governor Nixon Vetoes Priority Workers Compensation Reform Bill

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed one of the HBA of Missouri’s priority pieces of legislation dealing with the work compensation system. The workers’ compensation legislation would have included occupational diseases under Missouri’s worker’s compensation system instead of allowing lawsuits over those claims. It also would have barred employees who get hurt on the job from suing their co-workers unless the injury was “purposefully and dangerously” caused.

Nixon also vetoed workplace discrimination legislation under which workers who brought lawsuits would need to prove discrimination was a “motivating factor” and not simply a contributing factor in the employer’s actions. It also would have linked possible punitive damages to the number of employees at a business with a cap of $300,000. Political subdivisions, such as city governments, could not have been forced to pay punitive damages.

The Missouri Legislature passed the measures shortly after HBA of Missouri Legislative day, just before adjourning for lawmakers’ annual midterm spring break. While the Governor’s statement said he believed the work comp legislation moved the state backwards in protecting Missouri’s productive workers, the top Republican legislative leaders, House Speaker Steven Tilley and Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, both expressed disappointment and said both the vetoes hurt Missouri’s business climate.