SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6634

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 8, 2016

Title: An act relating to military service credit for members of the Washington state patrol retirement system.

Brief Description: Addressing military service credit for members of the Washington state patrol retirement system.

Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Roach and Conway.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/08/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kellee Keegan (786-7429)

Background: The Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) provides retirement and disability benefits to fully commissioned officers of the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Any member commissioned prior to January 1, 2003, with 25 years of service in the Washington State Patrol, may have the member's service in the uniformed services credited as a member whether or not the individual left the employ of the Washington State Patrol to enter such uniformed services. The WSPRS Plan 1 was closed to new members on December 31, 2002.

Only two plans in the Washington State retirement systems allow for the inclusion of up to five years of prior, or non-interruptive, military service when determining a member's total service credit for calculating their retirement allowance - Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1 and WSPRS Plan 1.

Summary of Bill: Any member of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System with 25 years of service in the Washington State Patrol may count up to five years of military service credited as a member whether or not the individual left the employment of the WSP to do so.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 3, 2016.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help in recruitment and retention efforts with the Washington State Patrol. This is an outstanding bill that will help retired members of the military.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Monica Alexander, Washington State Patrol; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.