SB 1133 - This act modifies provisions relating to the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MSEP), the Highway Employees and Highway Patrol Retirement System (HEHPRS) and the Judicial Plan.

HEHPRS: Employee leave taken by an employee without compensation pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act may be counted as continuous service. The board is authorized to contract for provision of disability benefits to members.

The act modifies payments and method of calculation to survivors, including surviving spouses and children under the age of twenty-one.

The act clarifies that any payments from the HEHPRS retirement system shall be subject to the collection of child support or spousal maintenance. The Highway Commission may contract with others for the provision of health and death benefits.

MSEP and MSEP 2000: Employees who have forfeited credited service may restore the forfeited service upon continuous employment for one year. The act clarifies the allowance of service credit for employees who have taken leave pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act.

The act revises provisions relating to reemployment of retired members. Benefits would cease upon being hired in a position requiring at least 1000 hours per year. Retirees rehired prior to September 1, 2001, would receive creditable service. Retirees rehired after September 1, 2002, would not be allowed to receive creditable service for such employment or life insurance, except for retiree life insurance then in effect. Benefit restrictions for rehired retirees who are rehired between August 28, 2001, and September 1, 2002, are specified.

Eligible members who terminate employment and retire within 60 days are eligible for $5,000 life insurance. Beneficiaries are allowed to assign life insurance proceeds. Reporting of sick leave is clarified for reporting to MOSERS. Members are allowed to designate a beneficiary for a final payment of a retirement benefit.

MSEP: Members who terminate employment on or after September 1, 2002, will no longer have the option of cashing out of the system.

MSEP 2000: The act defines responsibilities and obligations for persons employed by the Board to administer disability benefits and establishes appeals procedures. Employees may not receive creditable service in MSEP or MSEP 2000 for period in which the employee participated in a defined contribution plan of a college or university.

The beneficiary of any member who purchased creditable service shall receive a refund upon the members death and the method for calculation of the refund is provided.

JUDGES: Any judge who was a Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of a Circuit Court prior to August 28, 1999, who has creditable service in MSEP and the judicial plan may consolidate the service under either plan or draw separate retirement benefits from each.
CINDY KADLEC