Senators unanimously passed a bill that will allow workers moving to Missouri to immediately practice their profession or trade.
Business leaders have welcomed the passage of an amended bill already passed by the House.
It makes changes to occupational licensing laws to allow for a person already licensed for at least one year in another state to work in Missouri without any delay.
HB 2046, as amended, is an "important bill to help create more flexibility in the state’s workforce and provide greater career mobility," according to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, which added that it will help to reboot the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
The bill, initially introduced by Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield) in the House, then by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City), will be particularly important for those living and working in St. Louis and Kansas City, which account for two thirds of the state's economy and have so many links with bordering states.
Other measures in the bill include allowing the apprentices to receive industry licenses during their apprenticeship and letting those with criminal convictions to more easily receive them. However, an amendment that would stop a license being rescinded for failing to pay child support was not passed.
“We believe that Missourians are ready to return to work. We also know that businesses across the state are establishing new safety practices as they prepare to resume operations in the near future," said Daniel P. Mehan, president of the Missouri Chamber.
"But even as the recovery nears, we can’t ignore the soaring unemployment numbers. We must be realistic that not every job will immediately return looking exactly like it was before.
Separately, the chamber this week held a series of webinars as part of its "Uniting for Recovery" plan." It is also distributing online a "Return to Work Guide," which the chamber says will assist business to reopen, including on creating a safe workplace.