Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
SSB 5538
Brief Description: Concerning postretirement employment in nursing positions for a state agency.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Cleveland, Dhingra and Wilson, C.).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Allows certain retirees of the state's pension systems returning to work in a nonadministrative nursing position for a state agency to work up to 1040 hours while collecting a retirement benefit until July 1, 2026.
Hearing Date: 3/16/23
Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:

Retirees of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) are generally able to work up to 867 hours per year in a position covered by any of the state's pension systems while receiving a retirement benefit.  A retiree that works more than 867 hours is reinstated as an active member and their retirement benefit ceases.


Members of PERS Plans 2 and 3 have a normal retirement age of 65 and may retire as early as age 55 with a reduced benefit if they meet service credit requirements.  Members of PSERS with more than ten years of service have a normal retirement age of 60 and may retire as early as age 53 with a reduced benefit if they meet service credit requirements.
Summary of Bill:

Until July 1, 2026, PERS and PSERS retirees may work for a state agency for up to 1040 hours per year in a nonadministrative position as a licensed nurse while continuing to receive a pension benefit.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.