MissouriMissouri pension systems face limits on campaign spending
Missouri public pension systems face limits on campaign spending, while some former workers may choose a lump-sum payout if a board creates a program.
What it does
Public retirement systems may not use system money to support or oppose ballot measures or candidates, or to pay campaign committees’ debts. They may still explain possible effects on pensions.
If a board sets up a program, eligible former employees may trade a deferred annuity for a one-time payment starting January 1, 2027. They give up future annuity and disability benefits.
Covered officers must leave service at the end of the month when they turn 65 or reach 35 years of credited service, whichever comes first.
At least seven trustees must approve a decision for it to take effect. Seven trustees must also be present for the board to conduct business.
Argument forKeeping system funds out of campaign activity could help protect money set aside to pay public workers’ retirement benefits.
Argument againstSystems may have less room to speak about ballot measures or candidates, though they can still explain how issues could affect the retirement system.
More detail
Public retirement systems may not use system funds for specified campaign activity. This applies to Missouri state and local public retirement systems. Systems and their employees may still inform members and the public about possible effects on the system through regular programs, processes, and job duties.
Eligible former employees may choose a one-time lump-sum payment if a board sets up a program. This applies to former employees entitled to a deferred annuity under the closed or year 2000 plan who have not reached normal retirement age or eligibility. A board must establish the program by rule. The payment is a percentage of the deferred annuity’s present value. Anyone who takes the payment gives up credited service, future retirement annuity benefits, and long-term disability benefits from the system. A member may make the one-time election on or after January 1, 2027.
Covered law enforcement officers must leave service at the first specified milestone. This applies to law enforcement officers covered by the St. Louis police retirement provisions. Separation is required on the last day of the month in which the officer reaches either milestone.
At least seven trustees must approve an action for it to take effect. This applies to the board of the public school retirement system described in section 169.450. Seven trustees also make up a quorum, meaning the minimum number needed to conduct board business.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 9Signed by Governor Mike KehoeBecame Law
- May 28Reported Duly Enrolled Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions & Ethics CommitteeTo Governor
- May 28Signed by Senate President Pro Tem
- May 28Signed by House Speaker
- May 28Delivered to Governor
- May 15S concurs in HCS as amended
- May 15S Third Read and PassedMajor
- May 15Truly Agreed To and Finally PassedMajor
- May 14Bill Placed on H Informal Calendar
- May 14HA 1 to HCS H offered & adopted (Hovis)--(6641H02.01H)
- May 14HA 2 to HCS H offered & adopted (Deaton)--(6641H02.06H)
- May 14HA 3 to HCS H offered & adopted (Myers)--(6641H02.05H)
- May 14HCS, as amended, H adopted --(6641H.02C)
- May 14H Third Read and PassedPassed House
- May 11Voted Do Pass H Rules - LegislativeMinor
- May 11Reported Do Pass H Rules - LegislativeMinor
- May 7Referred H Rules - LegislativeMinor
- May 5HCS Voted Do Pass H Crime and Public SafetyMinor
- May 5HCS Reported Do Pass H Crime and Public SafetyMinor
- Apr 28Hearing Conducted H Crime and Public Safety
- Apr 21Referred H Crime and Public SafetyMinor
- Apr 7H Second ReadMinor
- Apr 2S Third Read and PassedPassed Senate
- Apr 2H First ReadMinor
- Mar 26Reported Truly Perfected S Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee
- Mar 25Perfected
- Mar 9Reported from S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee
- Feb 23Voted Do Pass S Local Government, Elections and Pensions CommitteeMinor
- Feb 18Hearing Conducted S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee
- Feb 5Second Read and Referred S Local Government, Elections and Pensions CommitteeMinor
- Jan 20S First ReadIntroduced
Government & Ethics