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HB 2144

Increases the Public School Retirement System (PSRS) one-time death benefit payment to $10,000 for retiree member deaths arising on or after August 28, 2026

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Bromley

Missouri raises PSRS retiree death benefits to $10,000 effective August 2026, increasing survivor payouts with unspecified funding sources.

Action Postponed (H)
#elementaryandsecondaryeducation #dept.of #retirement-schools #retirementsystemsandbenefits-general #stateemployees #teachers
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Bill Summary · HB 2144

Legislative bill overview

HB 2144 increases the one-time death benefit payment from Missouri's Public School Retirement System (PSRS) to $10,000 for retiree members who die on or after August 28, 2026. This represents an increase from the current benefit amount, though the bill does not specify what the previous amount was. The change applies only to deaths occurring after the specified effective date.

Why is this important

This affects surviving families of public school employees and retirees in Missouri, providing them with immediate financial assistance following a death. The modification impacts PSRS's obligations and funding requirements, which are supported by employer and employee contributions. As a defined benefit system serving educators, changes to benefit structures can influence the system's long-term financial sustainability and the attractiveness of public education careers in Missouri.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill does not specify how the increased benefit will be funded or whether contribution rates will increase for active employees and employers
  • Retroactivity questions: Why August 28, 2026 as the effective date? Whether this timing creates fairness concerns for recent retirees who died before this date
  • Broader adequacy debate: Whether $10,000 is sufficient for modern family needs or if this is merely a symbolic gesture that doesn't meaningfully address financial hardship

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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