| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Appropriations Committee | |
SB 5313
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.
Brief Description: Establishing the retirement age for members of the Washington state patrol retirement system.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Schoesler, Kilmer, Hatfield, Shin and Rasmussen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/28/07
Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:
The Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) provides retirement benefits to the
1,022 active and 792 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 he or she reaches 60 years of age.
For members of WSPRS tier 1, also referred to as Plan 1, a member who earns 25 years of
service credit is eligible for up to five years of military service credit for periods served prior to
the member's WSPRS service. At retirement, a Plan 1 member eligible for this prior military
service credit adds these years to the years of WSPRS service that are then multiplied by 2
percent of a member's average final salary to calculate the member's benefit. Members of
WSPRS tier 2 or Plan 2 are not eligible for this prior, or non-interruptive military service credit
benefit.
Summary of Bill:
The mandatory retirement age for members of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System is
increased from age 60 to age 65.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.