Missouri’s Vetoes, Overrides

Missouri’s legislature and its governor have been back and forth so far this year on legislation that would effect changes in the state’s workers’ compensation system. Among them, bills that would prevent employees from suing their co-workers for on-the-job injuries and add occupational diseases as covered illnesses in the workers’ compensation system.

The Republican-led legislature earlier this year passed legislation enacting the above changes and Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, vetoed the bills. In early May, Nixon signaled that he would sign the legislation with some changes, according to the Associated Press.

The AP reported that in a letter to lawmakers, Nixon said workers with terminal diseases caused by workplace exposure to toxic substances should receive a higher payment than other workers who are permanently and completely disabled. Nixon also said lawmakers should also broaden the definition of heirs who receive payments after the worker dies from an occupational disease.