Brief Description: Providing a life insurance policy for national guard members called to active duty.

Sponsors: Representatives P. Sullivan, Walsh, Simpson, Green, Buri, Kessler, Haler, Morrell, McCoy, Williams, Linville, Hasegawa, Roberts, Sells, McDermott, Chase and Ormsby.

Hearing Date: 2/11/05

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

If a soldier is killed in combat, the soldier's family receives a $12,000 death benefit. Service members may opt to purchase additional life insurance beginning at a minimum of $10,000 of coverage up to a maximum of $250,000 through the Federal Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Program. The monthly premiums for the insurance are $0.65 for each $10,000 of coverage, or $16.25 for the maximum coverage.

Summary of Bill:

Washington National Guard members called into active duty are issued a $250,000 life insurance policy. Premiums for the policy are paid from the general fund for the period of time that the member is on active duty.

Active duty is defined as active state service, active training duty, and federal service.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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