Brief Description: Adding members to the state board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers.

Sponsors: By Representatives Hurst, Haigh, Eickmeyer, Curtis, Alexander, Morrell, Crouse, Simpson, Roach and VanDeWege.

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs
Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Background:

The Volunteer Fire Fighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pension System (System) provides death, disability, medical, and retirement benefits to volunteer fire fighters and reserve officers in cities, towns, and fire protection districts. The System is funded by member and employer contributions and a portion of the fire insurance premium tax.

Employers are required to participate in the death, disability, and medical benefit plans offered by the System, but participation in the pension component is optional. Around 18,000 members are covered by the death, disability, and medical benefits, and 12,000 members are covered by the pension benefits.

The State Board for Volunteer Fire Fighters and Reserve Officers (Board) administers the System. The Board consists of three members of fire departments covered by the System who are appointed by the Governor to serve overlapping six-year terms. The members must be from different congressional districts.

Summary:

Two members are added to the Board for a total of five board members. No more than two Board members may be receiving relief or retirement pension payments under the System. The Governor may consider recommendations from appropriate state associations when making appointments to the Board.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   0
Senate   47   0

Effective: July 22, 2007