2026 Legislative Session Ends: No Legislation Passes that Directly Impacts PSRS/PEERS
During the 2026 Missouri legislative session that began Jan. 7, 2026, the General Assembly introduced more than 3,000 pieces of legislation. PSRS/PEERS closely monitored over 150 of them.
The session concluded on May 15, 2026. Lawmakers sent more than 100 bills to the governor’s desk, including more non-appropriations bills than have been sent during last two legislative sessions combined. No legislation passed this session that directly impacts PSRS/PEERS.
“With the close of the legislative session, I want to acknowledge the diligence, oversight, and advocacy efforts of our legislative team,” said PSRS/PEERS Executive Director Dearld Snider. “They work tirelessly supporting our mission to provide retirement security and peace of mind for members of Missouri’s education community.”
Provisions We Tracked
PSRS/PEERS tracked several pieces of legislation that did not pass, including:
PEERS Critical Shortage Expansion (HB 2091)
This House bill would have expanded the types and number of positions districts could fill using retired PEERS members under Critical Shortage Employment rules. It would have broadened employment options for retirees while maintaining employer contribution requirements.
COLA Cap Changes (HB 2095 and SB 1779)
These bills proposed updates to the PSRS/PEERS COLA cap. Under current law, the COLA cap is fixed at 80% of a member’s original benefit. These bills would have provided a 2% supplementary payment for COLA-capped retirees only in years when the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees granted a regular, inflation-based COLA and PSRS/PEERS earned 2% or more above its investment return goal of the year.
PSRS Death Benefit Increase (HB 2144)
This House bill would have raised the one‑time PSRS retiree death benefit to $10,000 for deaths occurring on or after Aug. 28, 2026.
PSRS Critical Shortage and Working After Retirement Changes (HB 2396)
This House bill would have allowed districts to hire PSRS retirees without first declaring a critical shortage. It also would have:
- Removed limitations on the number of full‑time positions that may be filled this way
- Required employer contributions
- Maintained that retirees continue receiving benefits without accruing new service
- Permitted districts to reduce the salary paid by a percentage equivalent to an active teacher’s retirement contribution percentage
SLPs Recognized as PSRS “Teachers” (HB 3079)
This House bill would have designated school speech-language pathologists as “teachers” for PSRS membership, with DESE issuing the necessary certification.
Higher Multiplier for PSRS 33+ Years (SB 1258)
This Senate bill would have increased the PSRS multiplier to 2.6% for members retiring with 33+ years of service.