A Missouri Senate committee is considering legislation to protect employers who hire individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
This week, the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee heard testimony on HB 2064, a civil justice omnibus bill sponsored by Rep. John Black (R-Marshfield). The House unanimously passed this bill and sent it to the Senate on April 15.
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director of Legislative Affairs Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland testified in favor of a provision that would provide civil liability protections for employers hiring ex-offenders.
The bill would create liability protections for employers hiring a person convicted of an offense, excluding certain violent and sexual offenses. The fact the employee was convicted of a non-violent or non-sexual offense before being hired by the employer would be inadmissible in court.
The legislation would have a dual impact of helping alleviate challenges related to the statewide workforce shortage while reducing re-incarceration rates for employees who were previously involved in the criminal justice system.
In 2022, the Missouri Chamber released a public safety report, Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri, which includes recommendations to address crime in our state. As a result, the Missouri Chamber supports this effort to reduce recidivism by making it easier for justice-involved individuals to find employment.
For more information, contact Geisbuhler Sutherland at hsutherland@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
