Missouri 2025 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SB443

Introduced
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

Impact

If enacted, SB 443 would significantly alter the legal landscape concerning employer responsibilities when hiring individuals with criminal histories. By limiting the situations under which employers can be held liable for negligent hiring, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive job market for ex-offenders. This could lead to increased employment rates among this demographic, which proponents argue can contribute positively to communities by reducing dependency on social services and enhancing community safety as individuals reintegrate into society.

Summary

Senate Bill 443 establishes the 'Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act', which seeks to offer legal protections for employers hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions. The bill aims to alleviate the liability on employers for negligent hiring actions concerning employees or independent contractors who have been convicted of nonviolent crimes. Notably, the law specifically precludes legal actions against employers unless the employee or contractor has been convicted of significant felonies, which are enumerated within the bill. This legislative move is based on the understanding that increasing employment opportunities for ex-offenders can aid in rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics raise concerns that providing broad protections to employers might lead to a diminished standard of accountability in hiring practices. They argue that the requirement to disregard nonviolent, nonsexual criminal histories in negligent hiring lawsuits could potentially allow individuals with problematic backgrounds to gain employment in sensitive positions without appropriate scrutiny. Advocates for victims' rights are particularly worried that this legislation could undermine safety protocols in workplaces, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, and provide avenues for negligence claims that may not adequately protect the community at large.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SB352

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO SB1110

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO HB720

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO HB1969

Establishes the "Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act", which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO SB292

Modifies the liability of employers

MO SB1063

Establishes provisions requiring liability insurance and prevention policies of childhood sexual abuse for child care providers and modifies civil actions for childhood sexual abuse

MO SB1092

Establishes provisions requiring liability insurance and prevention policies of childhood sexual abuse for child care providers and modifies civil actions for childhood sexual abuse

MO SB933

Establishes provisions requiring liability insurance and prevention policies of childhood sexual abuse for child care providers and modifies civil actions for childhood sexual abuse

MO HB725

Modifies and establishes offenses involving teller machines

MO HB1006

Modifies the liability of employers

Similar Bills

CA AB334

Public contracts: conflicts of interest.

NJ S1923

Concerns payment of independent contractors.

IL SB2279

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR PAYMENT

MT SB22

Generally revise independent contractor laws

MT HB490

Generally revise laws relating to independent contractor tax evasion and fraud

CA SB238

Worker status: factors for determination of employee status.

ND HB1052

Preventive treatment, requests for reconsideration of claim decisions issued by the organization, providing employer account information, calculation of an employer's premium and creating a presumption of accuracy, an employer conducting business with a known uninsured employer, requests for reconsideration of employer decisions issued by the organization, and privacy of records; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide for application.

NV AB521

Revises provisions relating to the protection of children. (BDR 40-1099)