Show-Me State Times

Gov. Mike Kehoe has signed a new bill, HB 567, aimed at easing the burden on businesses imposed by Proposition A's paid sick leave mandate. The signing took place at the State Capitol and marks a significant legislative action for Missouri's business community.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick and managed by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, provides relief by removing the paid sick leave requirement while keeping the $15 minimum wage intact. It also stops annual wage increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), offering employers more predictability in labor cost management. This legislation is set to take effect on August 28.

HB 567 was a key focus for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the 2025 legislative session. The chamber organized a coalition of over 550 businesses advocating for changes to Proposition A.

"Business owners were clear: Proposition A’s paid leave and minimum wage policies were a job killer," said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. "Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth. We thank Gov. Kehoe for signing this legislation that safeguards jobs and supports Missouri’s overall economic competitiveness."

Despite this legislative change, challenges remain as supporters of Proposition A are working to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for 2026 that could reinstate both the paid sick leave mandate and CPI-based wage increases.

“Employers’ ability to implement policies that best fit their unique needs is the cornerstone of our free enterprise system,” Corches stated. “With new mandates already being proposed for the 2026 ballot, Missouri’s business community needs to stay engaged to ensure our state continues to support job growth and economic opportunity.”