Brief Description: Raising the mandatory retirement age for members of the Washington state patrol retirement system.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Clements, Ericks, O'Brien and Newhouse.

Hearing Date: 2/9/05

Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).

Background:

The Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) provides retirement benefits to the 1,079 active and 735 retired commissioned officers of the Washington State Patrol. There are two tiers of benefits within the WSPRS, one for officers commissioned before January 1, 2003 and another for those commissioned on or after January 1, 2003.

There are a variety of differences between the two tiers of benefits in WSPRS, including the period over which average salary is calculated and credit for prior military service credit; however, members of both benefit tiers are eligible to retire at either age 55 or with 25 years of service credit. Any member except the Chief of the Washington State Patrol must retire on the first day of the calendar month following the month that they reach 60 years of age.

Since 1997, the median retirement age for WSPRS members has been 52 years of age. Also, since 1997, five members have been mandatorily retired at age 60. The State Actuary estimates that 23 of the current 1,079 active members of the WSPRS will remain active until age 60, and will be mandatorily retired.

Summary of Bill:

The mandatory retirement age for members of the WSPRS is raised to age 61. The Chief of the Washington State Patrol remains exempt from the mandatory retirement age.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.