HB 23 (The COLA Bill) and Other Measures Advance
March 27, 2026
Two LASERS-supported bills advanced through House Retirement on Thursday, March 26:
- HB 23 by Rep. Bacala – Authorizes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to eligible retirees and beneficiaries. The bill was reported favorably with an amendment that increases the portion of the benefit eligible for the COLA, from the first $80,000 to the first $81,201 annually. 🔗Learn about COLA eligibility here.
- HB 32 by Rep. Egan – Provides for technical changes in LASERS statutes.
Additional Measures Advancing This Week
Two bills passed on the Senate Floor:
- SB 16 by Sen. Price – Provides for educational requirements of certain retirement system boards. (Board position: Neutral)
- SB 21 by Sen. Price – Terminates amortization hurdles once the original base is liquidated. (Board position: Support)
HB 8 by Rep. Bacala passed on the House Floor. This bill extends legislative staff authorization to attend executive session meetings of any state or statewide retirement system board or committee from one year to four years. (Board position: Neutral)
Upcoming Meetings
Three bills are scheduled for hearings next week:
- HB 27 by Rep. McMakin – Scheduled to be heard in House Appropriations on Monday, March 30, at 9:00 a.m. This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters at the November 3, 2026, election, would remove the requirement that a state retirement system receiving monies apply those monies to its oldest outstanding unfunded accrued liability (UAL). (Board position: Neutral)
- HB 830 by Rep. Wright – Scheduled to be heard in House Commerce on Monday, March 30, at 9:30 a.m. This bill relates to the regulation of proxy advisors. (Board position: Oppose)
- HB 4 by Rep. McMakin – Scheduled to be heard in House & Governmental Affairs on Wednesday, April 1, at 9:00 a.m. This bill calls for a constitutional convention to convene in December 2026. (Board position: Oppose)
New Bill Added to the Tracking List
- SB 416 by Sen. Price – Allows for the reemployment of retirees in critical shortage positions within the Department of Public Safety & Corrections under defined conditions. (Board position: Neutral)
