Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB3207: Creates provisions relating to employee bereavement leave for the loss of a pet
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 285, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to employee bereavement leave for the loss of a pet. Section A. Chapter 285, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 285.685, to read as follows: 285.685. 1. As used in this section, the following terms (2) "Employer", any person, partnership, corporation, organization, or entity employing ten or more employees within this state; (3) "Pet", a domesticated animal kept for companionship including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other animals legally allowed as household.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 285, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to employee bereavement leave for the loss of a pet. Section A. Chapter 285, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 285.685, to read as follows: 285.685. 1. As used in this section, the following terms (2) "Employer", any person, partnership, corporation, organization, or entity employing ten or more employees within this state; (3) "Pet", a domesticated animal kept for companionship including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other animals legally allowed as household pets in this state. 2. Upon the death of an employee's pet, the employer shall provide the employee with at least three days of bereavement leave. At least one day of the leave shall be paid. The remaining leave shall be unpaid unless the employer elects to provide additional paid days. 3. An employer may require an employee to provide reasonable documentation demonstrating the employee's eligibility for the bereavement leave under this section, such as a veterinarian's certificate or other proof of pet ownership. 4. Bereavement leave under this section may be or (2) Nonconsecutively within thirty days following the death of the pet. EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be …