5322‑S2.E AMH HUFF BENS 12

E2SSB 5322 ‑ H AMD 477 ADOPTED 3-1-96

By Representative Huff

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

     "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 41.26 RCW under the subchapter heading "provisions applicable to plan I and plan II" to read as follows:

     (1) A one hundred fifty thousand dollar death benefit shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust or organization as the member shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department.  If there be no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the member's death, such member's death benefit shall be paid to the member's surviving spouse as if in fact such spouse had been nominated by written designation, or if there be no such surviving spouse, then to such member's legal representatives.

     (2) The benefit under this section shall be paid only where death occurs as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment.  The determination of eligibility for the benefit shall be made consistent with Title 51 RCW by the department of labor and industries.  The department of labor and industries shall notify the department of retirement systems by order under RCW 51.52.050. 

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows:

     (1) A one hundred fifty thousand dollar death benefit shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust or organization as the member shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department.  If there be no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the member's death, such member's death benefit shall be paid to the member's surviving spouse as if in fact such spouse had been nominated by written designation, or if there be no such surviving spouse, then to such member's legal representatives.

     (2) The benefit under this section shall be paid only where death occurs as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment.  The determination of eligibility for the benefit shall be made consistent with Title 51 RCW by the department of labor and industries.  The department of labor and industries shall notify the department of retirement systems by order under RCW 51.52.050.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The Joint Committee on Pension Policy will conduct a study on providing a similar death benefit for volunteer fire fighters and reserve law enforcement officers and report back to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 1996.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately."

Correct title accordingly.

EFFECT:  The striking amendment limits the provision of an additional $150,000 death benefit to law enforcement officers, career fire fighters, and commissioned officers of the Washington State Patrol who die as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of their duties.  Payment of the additional death benefit will come from Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter Retirement Fund and the Washington State Patrol Retirement Fund. The Joint Committee on Pension Policy will conduct a study on providing a similar death benefit to volunteer fire fighters and reserve law enforcement officers.