FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5120

                          C 245 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing death benefits under LEOFF.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Newhouse, Bauer, Winsley, Loveland, Fraser and Haugen.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  A member of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan II with ten or more years of service who leaves employment or who becomes disabled may choose an annuity benefit at age 55 or withdraw 150 percent of accumulated contributions.  If, however, the member dies while an active member, the survivor may choose an annuity benefit or withdraw 100 percent of accumulated contributions.

A LEOFF Plan II member who leaves active service and withdraws contributions and later rejoins active service has a five-year window in which to restore those contributions.   A member who misses the five-year window may restore withdrawn contributions by paying the full actuarial value of the increased benefit.

Summary:  The survivor of a member of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan II with ten or more years of service may choose an annuity benefit or withdraw 150 percent of accumulated contributions.  The death of the member must have occurred on or after July 25, 1993.

Any accumulated contributions attributable to restorations made after five years is refunded at 100 percent.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    47 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    45 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  May 5, 1995