Silver Haired Legislature
The Silver Haired Legislature, or SHL as it is often called, is a formally elected body of citizens 60 years of age and older that promote conscientious legislative advocacy for Missouri's older adults. All members are volunteers who serve without pay. Elections are held annually at local area agencies on aging nutrition or senior centers. Senior citizens elect three senators and twelve representatives from each of the ten area agencies on aging for a total of 30 senators and 120 representatives. Following elections, the legislators meet to elect officers and begin to ascertain the needs of seniors in their districts. Bills and resolutions are then drawn up and prepared for presentation at the statewide conference in the fall.
The SHL meets for two days in the fall to conduct a model legislative session. At that time, members present, debate and vote on a pre-prepared docket of bills and resolutions that concern legislation, which affects the lives of not only the elderly but all Missouri citizens. From the docket, five bills having the highest priority are selected as the group’s main focus for the upcoming year.
SHL Delegates convene at the Capitol in Jefferson City the last Wednesday in January for a regular meeting of the Board of Directors as well as a chance to meet with legislators and discuss SHL’s past achievements and current priorities.
Senior Advocacy Day – January 29, 2025
Click on photos below to view larger images
SHL delegates with Governor Kehoe
Young at Heart Resources with District 9 Representative Dean VanSchoiack
Aging Ahead delegates with Senator Tracy McCreery
SHL Annual Session – October 15-17, 2024
Bill discussion in the House of Representatives
Bill discussion in the Senate
The SHL taking their Oath
View more photos from the 2024 Annual Session
Be a part of the process.
The SHL provides an opportunity for seniors to become involved in the legislative process and support issues on behalf of Missouri’s elderly. For more information or questions, contact: SHL@health.mo.gov.
Proposed Bills Committee Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting - July 10-11, 2024
Proposed Bills Committee at work
DSDS Director, Melanie Highland speaks to the SHL Board of Directors
SHL Board of Directors taking a break to have a little fun posing for a pic
Upcoming Events
- Proposed Bills Meeting - July 9, 2025
- Board of Directors Meeting - July 10, 2025
- Annual Session - October 14 - 16, 2025
Click here to shop the SHL Merchandise Store.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging if you are interested in becoming a member of SHL
- Aging Ahead (St. Louis area)
- Aging Best (Central)
- Aging Matters (Southeast)
- Care Connection (Warrensburg, Sedalia and west)
- MARC (Kansas City area)
- Young at Heart Resources (Northwest)
- Northeast
- Region X (Southwest-Joplin)
- SeniorAge (Southwest-Springfield)
- St. Louis (St. Louis City)
Public Advocacy
You can take part in our mission by subscribing to our legislative and advocacy email program. If you choose to become a subscriber, you will receive time sensitive alerts and updates on the status of proposed legislation that might directly affect you and your loved ones. Visit https://www.agingahead.org/missouri-shl/ for more information.