Title: An act relating to the state board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers.

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

Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Benton, Haugen, Schoesler, Sheldon, Kline, Swecker, Roach and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

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 and are appointed by the Governor to serve overlapping six-year terms. The members must be from different congressional districts.

Summary of Bill: Two members are added to the Board for a total of five board members. No more than three of the members of the Board 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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.