SB 188 Summary

• Redefines "because" in discrimination context to mean protected criterion was a "motivating factor" rather than sole cause, aligning Missouri law with federal Title VII standards

• Establishes the "Whistleblower's Protection Act" codifying common law protections for employees who report unlawful acts or serious misconduct to proper authorities, with damages capped based on employer size (up to $300,000)

• Modifies employer definition to require six or more employees for 20+ weeks and explicitly excludes religious organizations, federal entities, Indian tribes, and certain federal agencies

• Requires courts interpreting employment discrimination cases to rely heavily on federal judicial precedent from Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act

• Sets damage caps for discrimination lawsuits based on respondent size: $50,000 for employers with 6-100 employees; $100,000 for 101-200; $200,000 for 201-500; $300,000 for 500+ employees