Empowering Missouri Seniors, Shaping State Policy.
For over 50 years, the Missouri Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) has given older adults a powerful, non-partisan voice at the Capitol—turning senior priorities into life-changing laws.
The Silver Haired Legislature was created in 1973 by a small group of seniors whose specific purpose was the advocate for senior issues. The Missouri group was the first organization of its type in the United States.
ma4 proudly supports the Silver Haired Legislature by providing advocacy support and coordination and aligning SHL priorities with our statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging.
Why Making Missouri a Better Place for Older Adults Matters
Missouri is home to a rapidly growing population of older adults—experienced citizens who have spent decades building our communities, raising families, and driving our economy. Ensuring that Missouri is a safe, affordable, and supportive place to age isn’t just a duty; it is an investment in our state’s future. When we protect senior healthcare, secure financial stability, and champion senior independence, we build stronger, more resilient communities for all Missourians.
The Missouri Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) is at the forefront of this mission, transforming the lived experiences of our seniors into powerful, life-changing state policy.
What is the Silver Haired Legislature?
Founded in 1973 as the first organization of its kind in the United States, the SHL is a trailblazing body dedicated to senior advocacy.
- Elected, Non-Partisan Body: Composed entirely of volunteer Missouri citizens aged 60 and older, formally elected by their peers
- Statewide Grassroots Representation: Delegates are elected from each distinct region of the state, ensuring that the diverse voices and unique needs of seniors from both rural communities and major metropolitan areas are represented.
- A Bridge to the Capitol: Meets annually for a rigorous, two-day model legislative session at the State Capitol in Jefferson City to identify legislative priorities to improve policies impacting older Missourians.
- Real Policy Work: Delegates draft, debate, and vote on bills and resolutions addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults.
- Targeted Focus: Each year, the SHL identifies and refines a select list of top-priority bills to present directly to the Missouri General Assembly.
- Annual Advocacy Day: Delegates host an annual advocacy day in Jefferson City each to walk the halls of the Capitol, meeting face-to-face with state representatives and senators to directly champion the SHL’s top legislative priorities.
Over 50 Years of Proven Success
For more than half a century, the SHL has turned advocacy into action. Our legislative victories have directly improved the quality of life, financial security, and health of Missouri’s seniors. Key accomplishments include:
- Financial Relief & Tax Reform: Championed the landmark elimination of state tax on Social Security and critical Property Tax Reform (2023), alongside vital Circuit Breaker Reform (2025).
- Healthcare & Prescription Savings: Spearheaded the Missouri Senior Rx Program and the successful elimination of sales tax on pharmaceuticals.
- Dignity & Protection: Authored and backed critical elder abuse protection laws, accountability measures, and strict legislation combatting the financial exploitation of the elderly.
- Nutrition & Independence: Secured increased state funding for home-delivered meals, allowing seniors to age with dignity in their own homes.
- Sustainable Funding: Established and defended the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund (SSGDPF).
Vital Impact SHL
The Silver Haired Legislature does more than just propose laws—it ensures that the wisdom of our state’s oldest citizens helps shape the future of our youngest.
- A Unified Voice: Gives Missouri’s seniors a respected, bipartisan seat at the decision-making table, educating lawmakers on the realities of aging.
- Strengthening Communities: Drives meaningful improvements across healthcare, housing, nutrition, and legal protections.
- Strategic Partnerships: Seamlessly supports the mission of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (ma4) and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
- Defending Critical Resources: Fights to protect essential funding streams, including the Older Americans Act programs.
- A Model for Civic Engagement: Proves that advocacy has no age limit, demonstrating the immense power of organized, experienced citizen leadership.
Get Involved!
Creating a better Missouri for older adults requires all of us. Whether you want to lead or support, your voice matters.
- Run for Delegate: If you are a Missouri resident aged 60 or older, you can run for an elected delegate position and represent your community.
- Champion the Cause: Missourians of all ages can advocate for SHL priorities and help spread the word to state lawmakers.
SHL 2026 Brochure
Sign Up for SHL Alerts
Learn more and join the movement
Directly contact your local AAA
Learn More about Missouri’s Silver Haired Legislature
SHL Interview: 50 Years of Successful Advocacy. Interview with SHL member, Dorothy Knowles, who shares the wonderful story of SHL and impact on KY3 News, Springfield, MO.
Missouri’s SHL accomplishments include:
2026 | Increased funding for home delivered meals
2025 | Circuit Breaker Reform
2023 | No tax on Social Security; Property Tax Reform
2023 | Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors
2021 | Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities
2021 | Approval of Medical Marijuana
2020 | Asset Limit Increase for MO HealthNet Eligibility
2019 | Senior Farmers market Nutrition Program;
2019 | Senior Services Growth and Development Program
2016 | Senior Savings Protection Act
2015 | Deletion of Sales Tax on Pharmaceuticals
2012 | Strengthened protections for elderly and disabled Missourians against financial exploitation
2010 | Notification of liens against real estate property
2009 | Strengthened pre-need funeral regulations
2009 | Increased personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in long-term care facilities
2006 | Appropriation of $1 million for home-delivered meals
2005 | Modification of provision in various healthcare and social service programs
2004 | Creation of Missouri Homestead Act
2003 | Nursing Home Bill SB 556
2003 | Financial Support for the Missouri Senior Rx Program
2002 | Creation of the Missouri Senior Rx Program
2001 | Creation of a Department of Health & Senior Services
2000 | Addressed Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
1999 | Permanent funding for Community Leaders Assisting the Insured in Missouri (CLAIM) within Division of Aging Budget
1999 | Pharmaceutical tax credits; Permanent funding for CLAIM
1998 | Increased dependency deduction on Missouri income taxes
1998 | Revision of the “Circuit Breaker” Law
1997 | Revision of the “Circuit Breaker” Law
1997 | Improvement of regulations for managed care and HMO’s;
1997 | Creation of a permanent presidential primary
1997 | Limiting Dept. of Revenue to no more than 5% administrative fee for home delivered meals trust fund
1996 | Reduction of Missouri sales tax on groceries
1996 | Private pensions taxed same as government pensions
1996 | Enforcement of auto liability insurance
1996 | Improved regulation for managed care and HMOs
1995 | Proof of auto liability insurance
1994 | Revision of the juvenile code
1993 | Nursing home inspections
1991 | Revision of Elder Abuse Protection Legislation
1991 | Revision of Guardianship Code
1991 | Revision of guardianship code
1991 | Employee disqualification list as an amendment to the elderly abuse law
1990 | Healthcare Surrogates
1988 | Protection of volunteers from civil suits
1987 | Improvement of statutory lien law
1987 | Elder Abuse Protection Legislation
1985 | Statutory Liens Against Real Property
1984 | Right to Forego Maintenance Medical Treatment
1983 | Statutory Recognition of the Division of Aging and AAAs
1982 | Revised Guardianship Code
1982 | Durable Power of Attorney to Make Healthcare Decisions
1982 | Providing handicapped parking privileges
1982 | Revision of “Circuit Breaker” Law
1981 | Regulation of supplemental health insurance policies
1980 | Strengthened Medigap insurance law
1980 | 911 system
1980 | Licensing and regulation of life care contracts
1980 | Providing handicapped parking privileges
1979 | Revision of the utilicare (utility care) program
1978 | Utility Cost Relief
1978 | Utility cost relief
1978 | Nursing home patient’s bill of rights
1978 | Compensation for victims of crime
1977 | Elimination of sales tax on pharmaceuticals
1977 | Substitution of generic for brand name drugs
1976 | Revision of probate code
1976 | Provision of prosthetic devices
1976 | Revision of the nursing home inspection law; Revision of probate code; Appropriation for in home services
1976 | Funding for In-Home Services
1975 | Pension Benefits for Retired Public School Teachers
1975 | Increased Drunk Driving Penalties
1975 | Missouri elderly and handicapped transportation assistance program
1974 | “Circuit breaker” housing tax credit for seniors
1974 | Increased Funding for Transportation for the Elderly and Handicapped
1973 | Appropriations for transportation for the Elderly and Handicapped
1973 | Property Tax Relief
1973 | Checkoff on Income Tax to Support Elections
