SB 6305.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that a one hundred fifty thousand dollar death benefit for general authority police officers shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the member has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department.

     Declares that the benefit under this act shall be paid only where death occurs as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment as a general authority police officer.

     Clarifies that the intent of the legislature in enacting RCW 41.20.060, insofar as that section provides benefits to members for disabilities incurred in the line of duty, was to provide a statute in the nature of a workers' compensation act that provides compensation to employees for personal injuries incurred in the course of employment.

     Amends and divides RCW 41.20.060 into two separate sections.

     Clarifies and emphasizes the legislature's intent that the disability benefits granted by RCW 41.20.060, as amended, are granted only to those members who become disabled by any injury or incapacity that is incurred in the line of duty.

     Continues to provide disability retirement benefits to members who become disabled by an injury or incapacity not incurred in the line of duty.