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SB 238

Providing a postretirement cost-of-living adjustment for certain KPERS 1 and KPERS 2 retirants and making appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for KPERS to pay the actuarial cost of such cost-of-living adjustment.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 238 grants cost-of-living adjustments to select Kansas public employee retirees and funds the actuarial costs through 2026 appropriations.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 238

Legislative bill overview

SB 238 would provide a postretirement cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for certain retirees in Kansas's Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) tiers 1 and 2. The bill also appropriates funding for fiscal year 2026 to cover the actuarial costs of implementing this adjustment.

Why is this important

KPERS retirees have faced declining purchasing power over time as fixed pension benefits don't keep pace with inflation. This COLA would help address financial hardship for retired public employees and teachers, though it also creates significant state budget obligations in an environment of limited fiscal resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill requires state appropriations without specifying the dollar amount or funding source, raising questions about budget priorities and whether other programs would be cut
  • Scope limitations: The bill only applies to "certain" KPERS 1 and 2 retirants, potentially creating inequities among similarly situated retirees depending on eligibility criteria
  • Pension sustainability: Adding new benefit obligations could strain the already-complex funding structure of KPERS, which has historically faced actuarial challenges

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

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