SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5336
As of January 28, 2021
Title: An act relating to law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system disability boards.
Brief Description: Concerning law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system disability boards.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Van De Wege, Das, Hasegawa, Holy, Keiser and Nobles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/01/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System Plan 1 Disability Boards to provide eligible members with documentation of covered medical services. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7460)
Background:

Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF 1) provides retirement and disability benefits to law enforcement officers and firefighters who entered eligible employment between 1969 and 1977.  Under LEOFF 1, the employer is responsible for paying all necessary medical services for members and retirees.  These benefits are administered by city and county LEOFF 1 Disability Boards, which make decisions on eligibility for disability and medical benefits.  Disability benefits may be granted by LEOFF 1 disability boards for both duty and non duty-related causes.

 

The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) is responsible for adopting rules under which each disability board shall execute its duties.  The rules must include, but are not limited to, standards governing the type and manner of presentation of medical, employability, and other evidence before disability boards and standards governing the necessity and frequency of medical and employability reexaminations of persons receiving disability benefits.
Summary of Bill:

Rules adopted by DRS must also include a requirement that each board provide eligible members with documentation of the covered medical services. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.