SB 221 – Establishes damage caps for Human Rights Act cases and workers' compensation discrimination cases

• Sponsor: Cunningham
• LR Number: 0789S.01I
• Committee: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
• Last Action: 3/8/2011 - Voted Do Pass S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee
• Effective Date: August 28, 2011

Current Bill Summary

SB 221 - Damages awarded for employment cases under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) shall not exceed back pay and interest on back pay and $50,000 for employers with between 5 and 100 employees, $100,000 for employers with between 100 and 200 employees, $200,000 for employers with between 200 and 500 employees, or $300,000 for employers with more than 500 employees. Punitive damages shall not be awarded against the state of Missouri or political subdivisions in all MHRA cases.

The act establishes caps for damages for cases involving discrimination against employees who file workers' compensation claims that are identical to those created for MHRA cases with the exception of back pay and interest on back pay, which are not allowed.

CHRIS HOGERTY