JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — People who file lawsuits claiming they were fired because of discrimination would face a stronger legal standard and be limited in the amount of money they could collect if the governor signs legislation given final legislative approval Wednesday.
The bill would require such plaintiffs who sue their former employers to show that discrimination was a "motivating factor" in their dismissal. Missouri law currently requires workers to prove that discrimination was a "contributing" factor, a standard established in a 2007 court ruling.
The legislation also would limit punitive damages, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on the size of the company. Similar limits would apply to whistleblowers, people who report incidents of discrimination to state authorities, if they sue their employer for retaliating against them.
The Missouri House's 93-63 vote on Wednesday was largely along party lines, with several Democrats criticizing the changes. Rep. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, said changing the legal definition was a step backward and the legislation would make employers less likely to prevent workplace discrimination.
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