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Bill Summary · HB 3032

Summary of Bill HB 3032 (2026) – Missouri

Main purpose and intent

HB 3032 seeks to modify Missouri’s workers’ compensation framework by redefining who is considered an “employer” under the Workers’ Compensation Act for construction-industry activities and by reforming several provisions related to fraud, noncompliance, and penalties. The bill repeals and reenacts two sections (287.030 and 287.128) with updated language and penalty structures.

Key provisions and changes

  • Construction industry employer threshold (287.030):

    • Current law: construction industry employers who erect, demolish, alter, or repair improvements are deemed employers if they have one or more employees.
    • New standard in HB 3032: construction industry employers must have five or more employees to be deemed an employer under this provision.
    • Family members in the employer’s family (up to third degree) are counted toward the total employee count.
    • The definition of “employer” broadens to include the employer’s insurer or group self-insurer.

  • Fraud and noncompliance penalties (287.128):

    • The bill strengthens enforcement against fraudulent activity and noncompliance with workers’ compensation obligations.
    • Subsection 1: Prohibits knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims for workers’ compensation benefits.
    • Subsection 2: Prohibits knowingly and intentionally refusing to meet known compensation obligations with intent to defraud (by insurers or self-insurers).
    • Subsection 3: Enumerates a range of fraudulent activities (e.g., filing multiple claims for the same occurrence, false health-care claims, misrepresentation to obtain insurance, etc.).
    • Subsection 4: Establishes penalties:
    • Violations of subsections 1–3 generally carry a class E felony, plus fines up to $10,000 or double the fraud value, whichever is greater.
    • Some violations (subsection 3) carry a class A misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000.
    • Repeated violations can elevate to a class D felony.
    • Subsection 5–7: Additional penalties for providing invalid certificates of insurance, misrepresenting rates, or failing to insure liability, including potential threefold premium penalties or up to $50,000.
    • Subsection 8–12: Establishes a fraud and noncompliance unit within the Division of Workers’ Compensation to investigate and refer cases to the Attorney General; outlines process for prosecution and costs borne by the workers’ compensation fund; sets confidentiality rules and reporting requirements.

Who/what is affected

  • Construction industry employers: their status as an “employer” under the act depends on meeting the five-employee threshold.
  • Insurers and self-insurers: included within the definition of “employer” for purposes of workers’ compensation coverage.
  • Workers, injured employees, and healthcare providers: impacted through enhanced enforcement against fraud and misrepresentation.
  • Attorney General and Division of Workers’ Compensation: new or expanded role in fraud investigations, prosecutions, and the assessment of costs/fines.
  • Judicial/penalty landscape: new or revised felony/misdemeanor classifications and fines.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • The bill includes new penalties and a structured enforcement framework to be administered by the fraud and noncompliance unit.
  • Prosecutions must be commenced within three years after discovery of the offense.
  • By January 1, 2006, an annual cost report related to fraud prosecutions was required (note: this date appears to be legacy language likely carried over from prior versions; if enacted, current status would need updating to reflect the 2026 session).

Overall impact

HB 3032 tightens eligibility thresholds for construction employers, expands enforcement against fraud and noncompliance, and creates a specialized unit to pursue violations. The changes aim to deter fraudulent claims and ensure adequate workers’ compensation coverage, with a shift toward progressively harsher penalties for fraud and noncompliance and clearer oversight of costs and prosecutions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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