SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5294

                As Passed Senate, March 2, 1995

Title:  An act relating to retirement provisions for municipal fire fighters.

Brief Description:  Paying for fire fighters' retirement provisions.

Sponsors:  Senators Sheldon, Winsley, C. Anderson, Haugen, Palmer and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/9/95, 2/14/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/2/95, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  A volunteer fire fighter's relief and pension principal fund exists in the state treasury as a trust fund for volunteer fire fighters who are members of municipal fire departments.

If a municipal corporation allows its volunteer fire fighters to enroll in the pension system that is funded by the relief and pension fund, then an annual $60 per fire fighter fee must be paid, one-half by the municipality and one-half by the fire fighter.

Summary of Bill:  The municipality is given the authority to pay voluntarily the fire fighter's share of the $60 per year fee.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill legalizes a current practice in local jurisdictions which contribute the full $60 per year for their volunteer fire fighters.  It is a local option matter.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Mike Brown; Gordon Walgren, WA Fire Chiefs Assn.