Missouri Leave Laws Mandates
The state of Missouri follows both federal and state-level leave policies. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to qualified employees for certain family and medical reasons.
In 2025, Missouri also implemented state-level modifications, including a paid sick leave statute that took effect on May 1, 2025, and a paid family leave program scheduled to begin in 2027. Employers must keep pace with these changing rules to maintain compliance.
Missouri Sick Leave Law
Missouri’s Proposition A, effective May 1, 2025, requires most employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 15 or more employees must allow up to 56 hours per year; those with fewer than 15 employees must allow up to 40 hours. Leave on account of sickness can be availed in case of personal or family illness, health emergency, or even domestic violence. Employers must provide written notice to the employees by April 15, 2025, and display a notice about the law.
Missouri PTO (Paid Time Off) Law
Missouri does not mandate paid time off (PTO) for private employers. PTO policies, including vacation, personal, and sick days, are at the employer’s discretion. If an employer’s PTO policy meets or exceeds the requirements of the paid sick leave law, no additional sick leave is required.
Missouri FMLA Law
Missouri enforces the federal FMLA, which applies to employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. Employees must have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours in the previous year to qualify. FMLA covers serious health conditions, family care, childbirth, adoption, and certain military family needs. Missouri state agencies and schools are also covered, regardless of size. Employees may take up to 26 weeks for military caregiver leave.
Missouri Bereavement Leave
State employees are entitled to bereavement leave under agency policy. Private employers may offer bereavement leave at their discretion, and documentation may be requested, but is not required by law. There is no state law mandating bereavement leave for private employees.
Missouri Maternity and Paternity Leave
Missouri does not have a separate law for maternity or paternity leave for private employers. FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth and bonding. State executive branch employees receive paid parental leave: six weeks for primary caregivers and three weeks for secondary caregivers, as outlined in Executive Order 17-09 and the state’s policy. Leaves must be taken within 12 weeks of birth or adoption.
Missouri Paid Family Leave
The Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (SB 548) establishes a paid family and medical leave program starting January 1, 2027. Employees who are not independent contractors and have contributed to the fund for at least 52 weeks may receive up to six weeks of wage replacement benefits per year for bonding, caregiving, personal health conditions, or military family responsibilities. Benefits are capped at 100% of the employee’s average weekly wage, not exceeding the state average.
Missouri Leave Types, Eligibility and Duration
| Type of Leave | Eligibility | Duration and Description |
|---|---|---|
| FMLA | 50+ employees, 12 months tenure, 1,250 hours worked | Up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for serious health, family care, childbirth, adoption, military exigencies. |
| Paid Sick Leave (Prop A) | Most employees (some exemptions) | 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours (15+ employees) or 40 hours (<15 employees); effective May 1, 2025. |
| Bereavement Leave | State employees; private sector varies | Up to 5 days for state employees; private sector leave varies by employer. |
| Parental Leave (State Employees) | State executive branch employees | 6 weeks paid (primary caregiver), 3 weeks paid (secondary caregiver); must be used within 12 weeks. |
| Paid Family Leave (Future) | Employees contributing to state fund | Up to 6 weeks paid leave starting 2027 for bonding, caregiving, serious personal health, and military family. |
State-Specific Leave Laws in Missouri
- Paid Sick Leave: Proposition A mandates paid sick leave starting May 1, 2025, with detailed accrual and usage rules. Employers must comply with notice and posting requirements.
- Parental Leave for State Employees: Executive Order 17-09 grants paid parental leave to state employees.
- Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act: Beginning in 2027, eligible employees can receive up to six weeks of paid leave for family and medical reasons.
Essential Components of an HR Leave Policy
- Procedure for Leave Application: Communicate the steps employees should follow to request leave, including advance notice requirements and the necessary approval workflow.
- Categories of Leave: Clearly define the available leave options for employees, such as annual, sick, casual, or special leave.
- Eligibility Criteria: Specifies which employees can apply for leave and any conditions that must be met (for example, minimum service period).
- Leave Accrual: Explain how employees earn leave, whether on a monthly or yearly basis.
- Carry Forward and Forfeiture Rules: States if unused leave can be transferred to the next year or if it expires after a specific period.
- Tracking and Leave Records: Outlines how the organization monitors and maintains each employee’s leave entitlement and usage.
HR Compliance: Notice & Documentation Requirements
| Leave Type | Notice Required | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Paid Family Leave (PFL) | 30 days if foreseeable | Proof of relationship or medical certification |
| FMLA | Reasonable advance notice | Medical certification or bonding documents |
| Sick Leave | Reasonable, as soon as practicable | None required under law |
| Bereavement | None mandated | Optional proof (obituary or death certificate) |
