SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1103

                     As of March 28, 1997

Title:  An act relating to eligibility for survivor benefits.

Brief Description:  Specifying eligibility for survivor benefits.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sehlin, Carlson, Ogden, Cairnes and Anderson; by request of Joint Committee on Pension Policy.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  4/2/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Deb Kime (786-7454)

Background:  Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1 and Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 1 survivor benefits may be lower when a member dies in active service rather than after retirement for disability.  Occasionally, a PERS 1 or TRS 1 member dies between the time they have begun applying for disability retirement and official retirement for disability.  In these cases the survivor benefit is based on the member being active rather than retired.

Summary of Bill:  The beneficiary of a disability retiree, or a disability retirement applicant, has the option of choosing between the active member and disability retiree death benefit if the member dies within 60 days after applying for a disability retirement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.