Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers have approved a measure to repeal the state’s paid sick leave law, which was initially passed by voters as part of Proposition A in November 2024. The measure now awaits the governor’s signature. If signed, the repeal will take effect on August 28, 2025.
Proposition A, which was approved with 58% of the vote, increased the state’s minimum wage and required employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked by employees. Supporters of the repeal argued that the paid sick leave provision placed an undue burden on businesses. Democratic lawmakers had attempted to negotiate a compromise but were unable to reach an agreement before the session ended.
The final vote on the repeal measure was pushed through by Republican state senators using the “previous question” rule, a rare procedural move that forces a vote on a bill currently being debated. This marks the first time the rule has been used during a regular session since 2017.
In a separate move, Missouri’s Republican-led legislature also approved a new referendum to repeal the state’s abortion-rights amendment, which was narrowly passed by voters in November 2024. The proposed new amendment would significantly restrict abortion access, allowing the procedure only in cases of rape, incest (up to 12 weeks), medical emergencies, or fetal anomalies.
The new measure is expected to go before voters in November 2026, unless Governor Mike Kehoe calls for a special election sooner.
The proposed amendment also includes provisions to prohibit gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers for minors, which are already barred under existing state law.
The legislative action sparked immediate backlash, with protestors chanting “Stop the ban!” inside the Senate chamber before being escorted out.
Missouri’s abortion policies have undergone significant changes in recent years. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision, Missouri enacted a trigger law banning most abortions. However, in November 2024, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion until fetal viability, typically around 21 weeks of pregnancy. The amendment also allows for later abortions to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman.
With the newly proposed amendment, Republican lawmakers seek to overturn the constitutional amendment, reinforcing Missouri’s status as a state deeply divided over abortion rights.
Both measures now await the governor’s signature or potential voter approval, setting the stage for continued debate over workers’ rights and reproductive health in Missouri.
