Only two months after Missouri’s statewide paid sick and safe time law became effective, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 567, which will repeal the earned paid sick time benefit effective August 28, 2025.
As we previously reported, Missouri was one of three states to adopt a sick leave obligation for private employers, adopted through ballot measures during the 2024 election. By commencing leave accrual and usage on May 1, 2025, Missouri was the first of the three states to require private employers to provide paid sick time to all employees within the state. Currently, Missouri employers must provide one hour of paid sick and safe leave (PSSL) for every 30 hours worked.
After a divisive legislative session, HB 567 was delivered to the governor on May 30, 2025, and signed 6 weeks later on July 10, 2025. As the bill did not contain an emergency clause, the repeal cannot take effect until August 28, 2025. From now until then, employers are still obligated to provide PSSL, as addressed by the Missouri Department of Labor’s Paid Sick Time Benefits FAQs.
HB 567 also adjusted the ballot measure’s minimum wage provision. While it did not touch the gradual increase to $15 minimum wage, it eliminated the Consumer Price Index increases scheduled for January 1, 2027and beyond.
It’s unclear whether the Missouri Department of Labor expects employers to honor already accrued leave beyond August 28, 2025, but we will keep you updated as guidance is issued. In the meantime, Missouri employers should evaluate their sick leave policies, and after August 28, 2025, employers should adjust any postings and new hire notices relating to PSSL.
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