SB 5877 - DIGEST

Declares an intent to authorize the department of retirement systems to comply with federal laws including, but not limited to, the uniformed services employment and reemployment rights act, the employee retirement income security act, and the regulations of the internal revenue service, in implementing benefits on behalf of retirement system members.

Declares that immediate legislative action is necessary to ensure military members promptly receive their benefits consistent with federal law.

Provides that a member, after completing twenty-five years of creditable service, who would have otherwise become eligible for a retirement benefit as defined under chapter 41.40 RCW while serving honorably in the armed forces as referenced in RCW 41.04.005, shall, upon application to the department, be eligible to receive credit for this service without returning to covered employment.

Declares that service credit granted under this act applies only to veterans as defined in RCW 41.40.005 serving in the armed forces on or after September 11, 2001.