FINAL BILL REPORT

ESB 5159

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.

Brief Description: Authorizing the transfer of service credit and contributions into the Washington state patrol retirement system by members who served as commercial vehicle enforcement officers and communications officers and then became commissioned troopers in the Washington state patrol.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Conway, Fain, Holmquist Newbry, Carrell, Murray, Becker, Haugen, Hobbs, Pridemore, Rockefeller, Roach, McAuliffe and Kilmer; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy.

Background: Noncommissioned employees of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) are part of the Public Employees Retirement System 2 (PERS 2). Commissioned employees are part of the WSP Retirement System (WSPRS). Prior to 2000, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers were noncommissioned employees. In 2000 all the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers were made commissioned employees and their PERS 2 credits were transferred to the WSPRS. This transfer did not affect employees who had been Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers and who became commissioned employees prior to 2000.

WSP Communication Officers are considered noncommissioned employees. As such, retirement credits earned by Communication Officers are part of PERS 2.

Summary: Active members of WSPRS are allowed to transfer service credits earned as a Communications Officer or a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers in PERS 2 to WSPRS. If the employee chooses to transfer credits to the WSPRS, the employee must pay the difference between the employee and employer contributions that would have been paid to WSPRS, and any other amount, to ensure that the funding status of WSPRS does not change due to the transfer.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	97	0