Tagged: Missouri House

People fired for sleeping on the job and missing work could have a harder time getting unemployment benefits under a bill endorsed by the Missouri Senate.

The Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to a measure expanding the definition of "misconduct" in the workplace. The change would make it harder for people to qualify for unemployment insurance after they are fired.

Supporters say the bill will protect businesses from liability and give them more freedom to fire employees who misbehave at work.

Legislation that would eliminate the prevailing wage requirement in Missouri was heard Tuesday by a State Senate committee.

The state calculates various wages that are to be paid in each county and in St. Louis for construction trades on building projects.  The sponsor, State Senator Dan Brown (R, Rolla), says eliminating prevailing wage requirements would give smaller businesses outside of St. Louis and Kansas City a fair shot at landing construction contracts.

The Missouri House is expected to consider a requirement for voters to show photo identification at the polls.
State lawmakers have debated the concept previously, but this is the first time Republicans have held a veto-proof majority in both the House and Senate. In the past, discussion generally fell along party lines with Republicans favoring the idea and Democrats opposing it.

A Missouri House committee is considering legislation making it harder for employees to win lawsuits over workplace discrimination.

Legislation requiring voters to show photo ID at polling places is scheduled for debate in the Missouri House.
House Majority Leader John Diehl said he expects a proposed constitutional amendment mandating photo ID and a bill implementing the rule to be taken up on the House floor this week.

Republicans argue the measure is needed to cut down on voter fraud. Democrats contend the photo ID requirement is aimed at disenfranchising voters.