Bill > HB1745

This bill modifies the administrative process for employees filing minimum wage and overtime complaints in Missouri, establishing a detailed, multi-step procedure that employees must follow before pursuing legal action. Specifically, employees must first file a complaint with the state department on a provided form, including all relevant pay periods, pay stubs, and time sheets as supporting evidence. The department will then investigate the complaint within 90 days and issue an investigative report. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the department will issue a "right to sue" notice, which gives the employee 30 days to file a lawsuit. The bill introduces a settlement negotiation process where employers can offer settlements within 30 days of the investigative report, and employees have 30 days to accept, reject, or counter-offer. If no settlement is reached within 180 days, a "right to sue" notice is issued. The bill also includes provisions that if an employee files a lawsuit and is awarded damages equal to or less than the department's findings or the employer's settlement offer, the employee may be liable for all legal costs. These new requirements aim to provide a structured administrative process for resolving wage disputes before litigation, with specific timelines and procedural requirements for both employees and employers.

Business and Industry

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1745&year=2026&code=R