HCS HB 131 -- LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM

SPONSOR:  Smith, 118 (Deeken)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Retirement by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute gives jurisdiction over any dispute regarding the
Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LAGERS) to the
circuit court of Cole County.

If a former member of the retirement system becomes re-employed
in a position covered by the system, and the re-employment occurs
within a period of 10 years from the date of last membership, the
member's credited service which was forfeited will be restored.

The substitute also suspends full-time student benefits under
LAGERS during any period of military duty.  Upon the student's
return to school, the benefits will be reinstated.  The student's
benefit period will be extended by the number of months of
military service.

Under current law, a disability allowance under LAGERS is
adjusted by the amount of workers' compensation benefit, federal
social security insurance, or other monthly personal service
received for any gainful employment.  The substitute repeals this
section of law and allows the full disability allowance.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will provide for the
centralization of dispute resolution and the filing of lawsuits
brought against LAGERS.  The Missouri State Employees' Retirement
System has a similar process.  A full-time college student who
receives benefits and who is a member of the military should be
allowed to have benefits suspended and re-instated due to
military service.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Deeken; and Missouri
Local Government Employees' Retirement System.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:10 am