SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1990

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                Ways & Means, February 26, 1996

Title:  An act relating to minimum retirement benefits.

Brief Description:  Providing minimum retirement benefits.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Robertson, Chappell and Delvin).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/26/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Loveland, Vice Chair; Cantu, Drew, Finkbeiner, Fraser, Hargrove, Johnson, Kohl, Long, Pelz, Quigley, Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, Strannigan, West, Winsley and Wojahn.

Staff:  Denise Graham (786-7454)

Background:  For the State Patrol Retirement System, the minimum monthly retirement benefit is $13 per year of service for members and surviving spouses receiving social security.  The minimum monthly retirement benefit for surviving spouses not receiving social security is $23 per year of service.

Summary of Bill:  A minimum monthly retirement benefit of $500 is established for retired members with 25 years of service and for surviving spouses of members with 25 years of service. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will help the surviving spouses of State Patrol officers, some of whom are now receiving as little as $350 a month.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Rep. Robertson.