Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SB1360

Introduced
1/7/26  

Caption

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

Impact

If enacted, SB1360 would amend chapter 537 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to limit conditions under which employers can be deemed liable for hiring individuals previously convicted of nonviolent, nonsexual offenses. Specifically, the bill states that such convictions would be inadmissible as evidence in most negligent hiring cases, thereby providing a safer legal environment for employers when making hiring decisions involving ex-offenders. However, it still holds employers accountable in specific situations where their knowledge of an employee's conviction is significantly tied to negligent actions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1360, known as the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, seeks to introduce protections for employers hiring individuals with certain past convictions. The bill primarily aims to shield employers, general contractors, and premises owners from liability when they hire employees or independent contractors who have criminal convictions, except for serious offenses as outlined in the bill. This legislative move reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by ex-offenders in securing employment and aims to encourage their reintegration into the workforce by reducing the stigma associated with hiring them.

Contention

The introduction of SB1360 has sparked discussions surrounding the balance between protecting employers from litigation related to hiring practices and ensuring that individuals with past convictions still face fair assessments when applying for jobs. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential for aiding the reintegration of ex-offenders by encouraging employers to overlook their criminal pasts when hiring. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential risks that may arise from hiring individuals with potentially serious and relevant past offenses in sensitive roles, thus framing the necessity for a careful evaluation of the offenses that merit exemption from the bill's liability protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SB443

Establishes the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act, which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO HB1087

Establishes the "Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act", which provides liability protections for employers hiring those convicted of certain offenses

MO SB758

Modifies the liability of employers

MO SB295

Establishes provisions relating to adult cabaret including civil liability for adult cabarets and the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance

MO SB626

Establishes provisions relating to liability for inherent risks of motocross activities

MO SB411

Establishes provisions relating to the civil and criminal liability of disclosure of intimate digital depictions

MO SB706

Provides liability protections for charitable organizations making good faith disclosures of sexual abuse

MO HB1090

Establishes certain protections for pregnant offenders

MO SB552

Establishes immunity from liability for certain designers, manufacturers, sellers, and lessors of products

MO SB448

Establishes provisions relating to release of certain liabilities for unauthorized or negligent disclosure of biometric identifiers or information

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