FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5217

                          C 151 L 98

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing death benefits for volunteer fire fighters.

Sponsors:  Senators Bauer, Winsley, Franklin, Long, Fraser, Roach, Loveland, Rasmussen, Goings, Swecker, Kohl, Oke, Patterson and Haugen; by request of Joint Committee on Pension Policy.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  In 1996, legislation was passed which provides an additional $150,000 duty-related death benefit to survivors of members of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters and the Washington State Patrol Retirement Systems.  The Joint Committee on Pension Policy was directed to study ways to extend coverage to volunteer fire fighters and reserve police officers.

Summary:  An additional $150,000 duty-related death benefit is provided to survivors of volunteer fire fighters, for a total of $152,000.

Local governments have the option of providing death and disability coverage to reserve officers through the Volunteer Fire Fighters= Relief and Pension Act (SHB 1939, Chapter 307, Laws of 1998).  The total benefit provided to the survivors is $152,000 as well.

The primary funding source for the volunteer fire fighters= relief and pension fund is 40 percent of the premium tax paid on fire insurance policies.  This dedicated funding source, plus member and municipal contributions, is expected to exceed the required contributions for the plan over the next several years.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 49 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    37 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  March 25, 1998