Missouri House Bill HB1522

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires the Department of Economic Development to maintain a list of call centers that transfer jobs out of the country

Impact

The implications of HB 1522 are substantial, as it establishes a public 'outsourcing list' maintained by the Department of Economic Development, which will identify businesses that have relocated customer service jobs abroad. This list can impact businesses' eligibility for public subsidies and contracts, thereby integrating a layer of accountability for companies involved in outsourcing. Agencies awarding contracts for services will need to prioritize vendors not listed as outsourcers, potentially steering business and economic development toward companies maintaining customer service operations within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1522 is a proposed amendment to chapter 620 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, specifically introducing new provisions related to call centers and their operational regulations within the state. This bill seeks to establish a framework for monitoring businesses that outsource customer service positions outside the United States. It mandates that companies must notify the Department of Economic Development if they plan to terminate significant customer service positions and relocate them offshore, making compliance with this requirement necessary for business operations in Missouri.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 1522. Proponents argue that the bill could protect local jobs by discouraging outsourcing, ensuring that customer service positions remain within Missouri to boost the local economy. Conversely, critics argue that the regulatory approach could discourage businesses from operating in Missouri or affect their growth trajectory, as firms might view stringent rules on outsourcing as an obstacle. Furthermore, there might be concerns over the administrative burden on businesses required to comply with new reporting and operational restrictions.