MO SB816

Redefines "misconduct" to include conduct demonstrating knowing disregard of employer standards, carelessness or negligence, violations of no-call/no-show policies, chronic absenteeism or tardiness, violations of state regulations by licensed employees, and violations of employer rules unless the employee reasonably did not know of the rule or the rule is unlawful.

Expands the definition of misconduct to apply regardless of whether the misconduct occurs at the workplace or during working hours.

Narrows the definition of "good cause" for voluntary separation to only causes that would compel a reasonable employee to cease working or require separation due to illness or disability.

Maintains exceptions to disqualification for voluntary separation, including quitting to accept more remunerative work, leaving temporary work to return to regular employment, pregnancy-related separation with medical proof and employer notification, and military spouse relocation with active duty orders.

Removes a prior provision that allowed absenteeism or tardiness to constitute a rebuttable presumption of misconduct, replacing it with clearer standards under the revised misconduct definition.