Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday overrode Gov. Jay Nixon's veto to allow employees placed on administrative leave to be paid for up to 60 days before a hearing.
Bill sponsor Rep. Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, believes the bill will be a great way cut cost across agencies. "We are in a time where we are looking for funding for education and social services, but the reality is Missouri has been wasting money on paying people to sit at home and not work," he said.
The bill stems back to a time when a constituent informed Vescovo about a teacher in his district had been on paid leave for eight-10 months without having a hearing.
Vescovo said between 2012-14, payouts for administrative leave cost taxpayers in Missouri $10.2 million.
Nixon's reason for vetoing the bill was it would make it more difficult for employers to take disciplinary action against employees who have engaged in malfeasance.
Rep. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, opposed the bill saying he could not believe any organization would pay someone for 60 days before they have a hearing.
"Sixty days," Engler exclaimed. "You're saying that we should pay people for two months without a hearing. Why would anyone with any sense of fiscal responsibility do this."
Vescovo said this legislation would help put "bad actors" back in the classrooms.
Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, agrees with Vescovo. Barnes said the bill will have a minimum impact on state workers and ensures the right to have a speedy hearing for those being placed on administrative leave.
Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, who is in his last term, was concerned the bill may be a good start but needs a little more work.
"My primary concern is that for all investigations, does this one-size formula fit all?" said Schaefer. "I think this is a start, but I will vote no on this bill."