MO HB1962

Repeals and replaces sections 290.400-290.450 relating to equal pay and employment practices, creating new sections 290.160, 290.175, 290.400, 290.410, 290.420, 290.430, and 290.440.

Requires employers to provide written statements to employees at hire and annually thereafter showing job title, wage rate, and wage calculation method, and to maintain records documenting wage payment methods and systems.

Expands equal pay protections from gender-based pay discrimination to include all forms of compensation (base pay, overtime, bonuses, stock options, tips, and nonmonetary compensation) and extends protections to all employees regardless of gender.

Establishes a 9-member Equal Pay Commission within 90 days to study wage disparities by gender and race in Missouri, identify causes, and recommend legislative solutions, with a report due within 12 months.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees for opposing pay discrimination or discussing wages with coworkers, and allows prevailing employees to recover lost wages, compensatory damages up to twice the wages owed, court costs, and attorney's fees.