Missouri: Proposition A and Other Updates

By Giovanni DeGregorio - McMahon Berger P.C.

March 20, 2025

On November 5, 2024, Missouri voters approved Proposition A, which increases the minimum wage in Missouri and implements a new paid sick time entitlement to Missouri employees beginning May 1, 2025.

Missouri Supreme Court Challenges

A coalition of business groups have challenged Proposition A in the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing that it violates the single-subject rule set forth in the Missouri Constitution by combining minimum wage and paid sick leave, contains an incomplete and misleading fiscal note, and features deceptive ballot language. Oral arguments took place on March 12, and a ruling from the Court is now pending. At this time, it is are unclear whether the Court will issue a decision prior to the May 1 effective date of Proposition A. As soon as the Court renders its opinion, we will let you know.

Missouri Legislative Developments

Meanwhile, House Bill 567 (HB567), sponsored by State Representative Sherri Gallick, was introduced and passed in the Missouri House of Representatives on March 13. HB567 keeps the original $15 minimum wage increase, which will go into effect January 1, 2026, but eliminates annual inflationary increases to the minimum wage. Significantly, HB567 completely repeals all paid sick time provisions.

The Emergency Clause provision of HB567, which would have allowed immediate implementation of the bill upon passage, did not receive enough votes in the House. Without the Emergency Clause, even if HB567 is signed into law, Proposition A still will go into effect on May 1, requiring employers to comply with its sick pay provisions from May 1 to August 28. This temporary compliance period would impose additional costs and administrative burdens on businesses before any legislative changes could take effect.

HB567 will now head to the Missouri Senate for further debate. If the Senate makes revisions, which McMahon Berger fully expects it to do, the bill will have to return to the House for final approval, and, if approved, go to the Governor’s desk for his signature. McMahon Berger will continue to provide updates to this situation.

Notice/Poster Available from Missouri Department of Labor

In addition, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has produced both a poster and a notice regarding Paid Sick Time, which are available below for download. The notice must be provided to all employees subject to the new Paid Sick Time law by April 15, 2025, and the poster must be posted in a “conspicuous and accessible” place by April 15, 2025. To access the poster and notice, click here.

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