MO HB1540

Employees are released from liability for workplace injuries except when they engage in affirmative negligent acts that purposefully and dangerously cause or increase injury risk.

Compensation is reduced 50% if injury occurs in conjunction with alcohol or nonprescribed controlled drug use in violation of employer policy; benefits are forfeited if such use is the proximate cause of injury.

Mental injuries from work-related stress are not compensable unless the stress is extraordinary and unusual, and mental injuries from disciplinary action, job transfer, termination, or similar good-faith employer actions are excluded.

Injuries sustained during recreational activities sponsored by the employer result in forfeited benefits unless the employee was directly ordered to participate, paid wages, or the injury resulted from an unsafe condition the employer knew about and failed to remedy.

Division of workers' compensation may use electronic means to serve notices and conduct proceedings, except unrepresented employees must receive notices by certified mail unless they consent to electronic service.