HB 1144 -- Liability for Human Rights Violations

Sponsor:  Emery

This bill changes the laws regarding the standard for
discriminatory employment practices under the Missouri Human
Rights Law.  The definition of "discrimination" is revised from
unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, age, sex,
disability, national origin, or ancestry to adverse actions
motivated by those factors.  A person acting in the interest of
the employer is removed from the definition of "employer."

An employer will not be liable if he or she proves that the
action would have been the same absent the discriminatory
motivating factor.  Compensatory damages arising from a
discriminatory employment practice will be computed only up to
the time when the employer would have dismissed the employee.

Punitive and exemplary damage awards against public entities for
human rights violations are prohibited.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:21 am