Tim Jones: Majority Minute: A Glimpse At The Week Ahead

As we enter our fifth full week of Session, Father Winter continues to berate us with frigid temperatures and snow. Please be safe, take care of yourself, your families, and those who may need help in your communities. We have been blessed with good news, as our beloved Rep. Wanda Brown is expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to her.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

House Bill 162

This week the House will be taking up HB 162 sponsored by Rep. Barney Fisher (R-125). This bill addresses the precedent set by the Franklin v. CertainTeed Corp. court ruling which, for the first time in history, moved occupational disease claims from the workers’ compensation system into the courts. In response to the business communities “Fix the Six” agenda, HB 162 reverses this ruling. This legislation will permit appropriate compensatory damages to once again be determined by the worker’s compensation system. The result will be a reduction in liability insurance cost for small business and less of a burden on our court system. This saves taxpayer money that can be used to educate our children and strengthen the job market in Missouri.

House Bill 91

Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33), HB 91 specifies that an employer, and his or her employees will not be liable for any injury or death for which compensation is recoverable under provisions of worker’s compensation. HB 91 will also be taken up for perfection in the House this week. This common sense legislation will reduce the cost of liability insurance, reduce the burden on our court system, and create a better environment to attract small businesses to Missouri.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send The Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.