Update: Missouri Legislature Passes Minimum Wage Bill, Overriding St. Louis City Ordinance

May 24, 2017

UPDATE: MISSOURI LEGISLATURE PASSES MINIMUM WAGE BILL, OVERRIDING ST. LOUIS CITY ORDINANCE (BUT ORDINANCE REMAINS IN PLACE, AT LEAST THROUGH AUGUST)

At the end of the most recent legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly passed a minimum wage bill (HB 1194 & 1193), prohibiting “political subdivision[s]” (including municipalities) from establishing a minimum wage that exceeds state law.

This bill effectively overrides the City of St. Louis ordinance establishing a minimum wage of $10/hour. Prior discussion about this ordinance can be found here.

The minimum wage bill was delivered to Governor Greitens on May 22, 2017 and, as of this posting, the Governor has yet to sign the bill. Governor Greitens has 45 days from May 22 to either sign or veto the bill. Otherwise, the minimum wage law becomes effective law on August 28, 2017. Thus, the $10/hour minimum wage for the City of St. Louis remains in effect until at least August 28, 2017.

Bottom line: St. Louis city employers need to continue paying the $10/hour minimum wage through at least August 28, 2017 (and, if the minimum wage bill becomes effective law on August 28, only through that date).

We will continue to monitor the progress of the bill and update this blog as new information becomes available. In the meantime, however, feel free to contact your Tueth Keeney attorney with any questions!