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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri senators want to create an online database for businesses to check whether prospective employees have a history of filing workers' compensation claims.

The bill given first-round approval Tuesday drew support from both Republicans and Democrats who said they hope a database will help stop people from abusing the workers' compensation system by repeatedly filing claims against employers.

Senators said employers already can get information on an applicant's workers' compensation claim. But must do so in writing, which can take a couple weeks. They said an online database could speed up the hiring process, benefiting both workers and bosses.

The state Division of Workers' Compensation says an online database initially would include 554,000 claim records, with about 13,000 records added annually.

One Illinois lawmakers is gathering signatures in support of conceal carry legislation.

State Representative Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon has co-sponsored a bill to bring conceal carry to the state. Committee hearings are underway today to discuss gun laws in Illinois.

Still looking for dinner plans? The Humane Society of Missouri is holding their Dine out for Dogs event Tuesday.

The participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to help the Humane Society pay for animal cruelty investigations and veterinary help for those animals.

The participating restaurants are: - Hammerstone's (Soulard location)
- Nora's (Dogtown)
- The Shanti (Soulard)
- Three Kings Public House
- Felix's Pizza Pub
- Candicci's (Ballwin)
- The Sweet Divine
- Anthonino's Taverna on the Hill
- Gourmet to Go (Ladue location)
- Atlas Restaurant
- Pomme café and Wine Bar
- Pomme Restaurant
- Franco Restaurant
- Nico Restaurant
- Milagro Modern Mexican


http://member.hsmo.org/site/PageNavigator/Special%20Events/Bark%20in%20the%20Park/Dine_Out_For_Dogs.html