The Missouri legislature has reached its halfway point as they pause this week for legislative spring break. While work in the General Assembly has been slower than usual during the first half of session, LAGERS’ priority legislation is making good progress.
This session, LAGERS pre-filed legislation expanding the availability of the public safety classification option to all employers. The option is currently only available to employers in third class counties, and provides employers the option to classify their emergency telecommunicators, jailors, and EMS employees, which are normally considered General employees in LAGERS, as “public safety” personnel with an age 55 normal retirement.
There are currently two versions of the public safety bill moving in the General Assembly. Representative Pike has sponsored HB 1473, which was Third Read & Passed by the house last week. HB 1473 now awaits second reading in the Senate. Senate Bill 655, sponsored by Senator Crawford was also Third Read & Passed by the Senate last week and now moves to the House. LAGERS looks forward to continue work on this important legislation to help ensure that all employers have the flexibility and tools they need to help attract and retain the best frontline public safety workers into our Missouri communities.
