JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville, released the following statement today regarding the governor’s veto of his sponsored SB 34, which would have required the Division of Workers’ Compensation to develop and maintain a workers' compensation claims database to be accessible to potential employers during a pre-hire period.

“On Tuesday, July 2, the governor made a poor choice for the people of Missouri by vetoing a bill that would have modernized our workers’ compensation system — an industry that affects nearly all of us. The governor evidently does not understand the intent of this legislation and does not realize how badly these reforms are needed.

My sponsored legislation would have allowed potential employers to view job applicants’ information regarding workers’ compensation claims in a more timely manner — as a result, they would’ve made more prompt employment decisions and hired Missourians could have received their paychecks that much sooner. Currently, if a potential employer wants a job applicant’s workers’ compensation claims from the division, it takes a couple weeks, because a written request is needed and it currently takes about three people to accomplish this task. In addition, the bill would have helped identify inappropriate claims against the Second Injury Fund; 10 years ago, a Missourian placed 34 claims against the fund.

Senate Bill 34 would’ve provided an exclusive and secure outlet for employers to view the relevant information they need for hiring. Penalties were clearly noted in the bill for people who abused the law, and privacy concerns are covered under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws. What’s ironic to me is that in the governor’s veto letter, he cites privacy concerns as a primary reason for his rejection. However, the governor didn’t seem to worry as much about citizens’ privacy when news came to light about the Department of Revenue collecting and scanning Missourians’ private documents when they sought a driver’s license or CCW designation.

In the Missouri Legislature, we place job creation and retention has a top priority — this sad action by the governor’s veto pen places a stain on that goal of furthering economic development in our state. I will continue to work on legislation that will provide our state with much-needed improvements to our workers’ compensation system.”