House Committee adopts substitute for HB 558 to adjust sheriff pension funding

The Missouri House Committee on Pensions on Oct. 12 voted 13-0 to adopt a committee substitute for House Bill 558 that alters how certain fees and fund transfers support sheriffs’ pension funding.

The substitute removes a 2% county payment requirement and directs 50% of certain remaining money into a deputy share supplement fund that will receive a $5 paper-service fee, while allowing some unused money in that fund to be used to reimburse the sheriff pension system, Vice Chair Hovis told the committee.

“This committee substitute does make some modifications in this particular bill after the testimony and some feedback that I got the other day,” Vice Chair Hovis said. Hovis said the substitute also removes language that the state Supreme Court had struck — specifically a $3 fee tied to summonses and traffic tickets — and eliminates reporting requirements for clerks that no longer apply under the court ruling.

Representative Steinhoff asked whether the change would fully resolve the pension shortfall. “So do you — this is not gonna totally fix the problem, correct? Am I understanding that right?” Steinhoff asked. Hovis acknowledged more work would be needed and urged committee members to consult with their local sheriffs and county commissioners before finalizing details.

Hovis said the committee is targeting roughly $4 million in annual revenue to stabilize the system, and indicated a minimum ongoing amount of about $3.4 million based on actuarial studies and the system’s needs. “We’re looking at saying around that 4,000,000 mark,” Hovis said; she added the $3.4 million figure as a minimum estimate.

Chairman Waller opened the motion to vote, moved that HB 558 be given a “do pass” recommendation and that the substitute be adopted. The committee adopted the substitute by voice and roll-call, with a recorded tally of 13 yes, 0 no.

The substitute removes the previously proposed 2% county contribution, redirects certain fee revenues into the deputy share supplement fund and rescinds fee and reporting language the Supreme Court has already invalidated, according to the committee discussion. Committee members did not finalize all funding sources or the complete implementation plan and Hovis said staff would seek further feedback from county officials and sheriffs before the bill moves forward.

Votes at a glance: House Committee substitute to HB 558 — Approved, 13-0.

The committee adjourned into executive session after the vote.