MO HB946

Employees at employers with 15+ workers can take unpaid leave to address domestic violence affecting themselves or family/household members, including seeking medical care, counseling, legal assistance, and safety planning.

Employees at employers with 50+ employees receive up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per 12-month period; employees at employers with 15-49 employees receive up to 8 workweeks, which may be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule.

Employers must maintain health insurance coverage during leave periods and restore employees to their same or equivalent position upon return, while keeping all domestic violence-related information confidential.

Employers and public agencies are prohibited from firing, harassing, discriminating against, or retaliating against individuals based on their status as domestic violence victims, participation in legal proceedings, or requests for reasonable accommodations.

Violations can result in damages including lost wages, benefits, interest, equitable relief such as hiring or reinstatement, and reasonable attorney's fees and expert witness fees paid by the employer.