Employer Impacts from 2026 Legislative Session

Financial Changes from Legislation

HB26-1026

The bill requires both the PERAPlus 401(k) and 457 Plans to be available to members in both tax-deferred and Roth options by January 2027. We cover the impacts on employers of House Bill 26-1026 in a separate, more comprehensive, article.

HB26-1400

The bill changes the amount of PERA employer contributions that are allocated to the health care trust fund from 1.02% of member salaries to 0.52% of member salaries.

Instead of the direct distribution starting on July 1, 2030, it will start July 1, 2026. The distributions between then and July 1, 2030, will go to fund all divisions except Local Government and DPS. July 1, 2030, forward, the direct distribution will cover all divisions except Local Government.

Legislative Changes to Working after Retirement and critical shortage.

HB26-1027

Adds BOCES executive directors to list of positions covered by critical shortage designations. BOCES executive directors are defined as an individual who has executive authority for the administration of a board of cooperative services.

SB26-023

Adds assistant superintendent, vice principal, and assistant principals to critical shortage.

Schools can now designate assistant superintendents, vice principals, and assistant principals for critical shortage.

Affiliation Changes from Legislation

HB26-1146

Facility schools are allowed to affiliate with PERA in the Local Government Division. Any facility schools interested in affiliating should read PERA’s affiliation guide.

SB26-151

Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) charter schools will become PERA affiliated employers and start contributing to PERA. The ex officio Trustee from the Denver Public Schools Division becomes a voting member of the PERA Board.