FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1718

                                  C 108 L 89

BYRepresentatives Hine, Silver, Baugher and D. Sommers; by request of  Department of Retirement Systems

Changing provisions relating to disability retirement for Washington state patrol.

House Committe on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Members of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) who become disabled while actively employed receive a disability allowance paid directly by the Washington State Patrol.  The contributions that the members have made to the WSPRS remain on deposit with the retirement system during their disability because no statutory authority exists for refunding contributions.  Upon the death of a disabled WSPRS member, the WSPRS pays a survivor allowance to the surviving spouse.  Ambiguous statutory language has been the basis in two recent appeals for arguing that the statute authorizes a refund in the case of a disability.

SUMMARY:

Members of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System who receive a disability allowance are not authorized to receive a refund of their contributions.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    43     0

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1989