MO HB270

Defines "because" or "because of" to mean a protected criterion was a motivating factor in discrimination, but explicitly excludes disparate impact claims where a neutral policy adversely affects a protected group

Removes language that held persons "directly acting in the interest of an employer" liable for discrimination, narrowing who can be sued under the law

Establishes new summary judgment procedures for employment discrimination cases, requiring courts to rule for employers if they demonstrate the same decision would have occurred regardless of discriminatory evidence

Creates a burden-shifting framework where plaintiffs without direct evidence must prove discrimination, and if employers provide nondiscriminatory reasons, plaintiffs must show those reasons are insufficient or illegitimate

Amends Section 213.010 of Missouri Revised Statutes and creates new Section 213.080, introduced by Representative Miller in the 98th General Assembly