Missouri Work Comp Reform Bill Passes First Test

A Missouri bill that would tighten the state’s workers’ compensation rules has won first-round approval from the House of Representatives on a 79-62 vote.

HB321 would only cover occupational injuries if work is the “dominant factor” in the employee’s medical condition, a change from the status quo “substantial factor” language. The bill is aimed at lowering workers’ compensation costs and improving Missouri’s business climate.

Other provisions of the bill call for reducing compensation by half if a worker suffered injuries while having a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent and limiting a worker’s ability to collect for a cumulative trauma injury not essential to the job.