FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5145

C 37 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting trainers and trainees in housing authority resident training programs from membership in the public employees' retirement system.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Franklin, Carlson, Winsley, Honeyford and Fraser; by request of Joint Committee on Pension Policy.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  Housing authorities may become employers under the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  If an employer elects to cover its employees under PERS, it must cover all employees who meet the PERS eligibility requirements.  In 1997 the Legislature amended the PERS membership provisions to exempt from PERS coverage any local government employee who was enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program authorized under Chapter 49.04 RCW, if the employee is a member of a union-sponsored retirement plan or a Taft-Hartley retirement plan for such employment.  Most of these employees will work in the private sector with union membership after their apprenticeships are completed.

Some housing authorities have resident apprentice training programs that provide resident trainees the opportunity to gain trade skills while working on renovation projects at housing authority properties.  These programs are similar in nature to state-approved apprenticeship programs.

Summary:  Persons employed exclusively as trainers or trainees in resident apprenticeship training programs operated by housing authorities are excluded from PERS membership if the person is a member of a union-sponsored retirement plan or a Taft-Hartley retirement plan for such employment.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate470

House     92 0

Effective:  July 22, 2001