HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5538
As Reported by House Committee On:
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to postretirement employment in nursing positions for a state agency.
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 History:
Committee Activity:
Appropriations: 3/16/23, 3/23/23 [DP].
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 1,040 hours while collecting a retirement benefit until July 1, 2026.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 25 members:Representatives Ormsby, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Chambers, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Corry, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Berg, Chopp, Connors, Davis, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Harris, Lekanoff, Pollet, Riccelli, Rude, Ryu, Senn, Simmons, Slatter, Springer, Steele, Stonier and Tharinger.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by 6 members:Representatives Stokesbary, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Couture, Dye, Sandlin and Schmick.
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 1,040 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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None. 

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.