SB 1189 - Beginning January 1, 2025, prosecuting attorneys shall be considered state employees entitled to coverage under the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan, benefits provided by the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System ("MOSERS"), and subject to all other provisions governing state employees. Currently, the hiring and compensation of assistant prosecuting attorneys, investigators, and stenographic and clerical staff of a prosecuting attorney shall be set by the prosecuting attorney with the approval of and within the limits of the county commission. This act provides that the hiring and salaries of such employees shall be set by the prosecuting attorney and shall be paid out of the state treasury, instead of the county treasury, in the same manner as other state employees.
Currently, when a county elects to make the position of prosecuting attorney a full-time position, the county is required to pay in the Prosecuting Attorneys and Circuit Attorneys' Retirement System ("PACARS") at the same rate that counties of the first classification pay into the system. This act provides that counties electing to make the position of prosecuting attorney a full-time position shall pay into MOSERS at the same rate as counties of the first classification.
Beginning on January 1, 2025, all assets held in the fund of PACARS shall be transferred to MOSERS, but shall be held in a separate account for the purposes of retirement benefits for members of PACARS. Individuals employed before January 1, 2025, shall continue to contribute to and receive benefits from PACARS. Individuals employed on or after January 1, 2025, shall participate and contribute as a member of MOSERS. These provisions shall not apply the Circuit Attorney of the City of St. Louis.
This act repeals certain doubly enacted sections of law relating to prosecuting attorneys that were declared unconstitutional. Additionally, this act repeals the Board of Trustees of PACARS, which shall become effective on January 1, 2025.
This act is identical to SB 667 (2023), is substantially similar to HB 1114 (2023), and is similar to HB 1608 (2024).
KATIE O'BRIEN