MO HB2297

Redefines "misconduct" to include conduct or failure to act connected with work (regardless of location or timing) that demonstrates knowing disregard of employer interests or knowing violations of employer standards.

Adds specific misconduct categories including violations of no-call/no-show policies, chronic absenteeism or tardiness after written warning, violations of state licensing standards, and employer rule violations (with employee defenses for lack of knowledge, unlawful rules, or inconsistent enforcement).

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

Modifies misconduct disqualification period to require claimants earn wages equal to six times their weekly benefit amount before benefits resume (instead of ten times for voluntary quit without good cause).

Removes language allowing absenteeism or tardiness to create a rebuttable presumption of misconduct and replaces it with specific misconduct definitions requiring knowledge of employer policy.