HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6657
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 12, 2008
Title: An act relating to salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards.
Brief Description: Including salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards as earnable compensation.
Sponsors: By Senators Murray, Fraser and Rasmussen; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy.
Brief History:
None.
Senate Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 3/12/08, 49-0.
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/12/08, 85-12.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:
Teachers who obtain certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards (NBPTS) are entitled to an annual bonus created by Chapter 398, Laws of 2007
(2SHB 2262). The basic bonus amount is $5,000 for the 2007-08 school year, with the bonus
amount to be increased annually to keep pace with inflation. An additional bonus of $5,000
is available to NBPTS-certified teachers working in a school in which at least 70 percent of
the students qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program.
The bonuses paid to teachers for NBPTS certification are specifically excluded from the
definition of base salary in the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). This means that the
bonuses cannot increase the value of a teacher's retirement allowance, and also means that
teachers that earn the bonuses do not make additional retirement system contributions due to
the additional income that they receive from the bonuses.
Summary:
The definition of salary used in the Plans 1, 2, and 3 of the Teachers' Retirement System
(TRS 1, 2, and 3) is amended to allow the inclusion of bonuses paid to teachers certified by
the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Teachers receiving
bonuses for earning NBPTS certification make retirement system contributions from the
bonus payments and may earn a higher retirement allowance as a result of the salary increase.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.