The Mo. Supreme Court did not issue a decision today in our lawsuit challenging Proposition A

By Ray McCarty, president and CEO, Associated Industries of Missouri

Missouri Supreme Court Judges

April 15, 2025 - The Missouri Supreme Court today did NOT issue a decision in Raymond McCarty et al. v. Secretary of State, a challenge brought by many business groups asking the Court to strike down Proposition A's minimum wage hike and mandatory paid sick leave and paid domestic violence leave requirements because the ballot title violated the Missouri Constitution. The initiative petition ballot measure violated Art. III, Sec. 50, of the Missouri Constitution by combining more than one subject into a single ballot question.

"Voters were never given the chance to truly express their will in this matter," said Ray McCarty. "We were hoping the Missouri Supreme Court would understand the importance of issuing the decision in the case today. Today, Missouri employers must notify employees that the paid sick leave and domestic violence leave will be available starting May 1, unless the litigation or currently pending legislation provides relief to employers. We will continue our legislative efforts and hope the Missouri Supreme Court will protect our elections by enforcing the constitutional requirement that voters must be able to decide on one subject at a time."

Associated Industries of Missouri joined with other business advocate groups in advancing legislation that is still under consideration by the Missouri General Assembly, the goal of which is to lessen the impact on employers by giving them more control over the abuse of sick leave by opportunistic employees. The legislation has already passed the Missouri House of Representatives and is now in the Missouri Senate.

"We thank House sponsor Rep. Sherri Gallick, Senate handler Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, committee chairmen Sen. Curtis Trent and Rep. David Casteel, Speaker Jon Patterson, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, and other House and Senate leaders for making the legislation a priority," said McCarty.

We will continue to update you on the status of the lawsuit and legislation. Stay tuned!!!