Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2719
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: Concerning the size of cities that must establish a law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 1 disability board.
Sponsors: Representatives Vick and Harris.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
The Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 1 provides retirement and disability benefits to law enforcement officers and firefighters who entered eligible employment between 1969 and 1977. Since 1977 eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters have entered the LEOFF Plan 2.
Decisions on eligibility for LEOFF Plan 1 disability and medical benefits are made by city and county LEOFF Plan 1 disability boards. Disability benefits may be granted by LEOFF Plan 1 disability boards to members in LEOFF Plan 1 for both duty-related and non-duty related causes. In addition to disability benefits, the LEOFF Plan 1 is unique among state retirement system plans in that retiree benefits include coverage for all necessary medical services.
Each city with a population of 20,000 or more has a LEOFF Plan 1 disability board. Each county also has a disability board, and these county boards have jurisdiction over LEOFF Plan 1 members who are not employed in a city with its own disability board. The LEOFF Plan 1 city disability boards have five members:
two members of the city legislative body;
one member of the public, who resides in the city and is appointed by the other members of the disability board;
one active or retired firefighter member representing firefighters; and
one active or retired law enforcement officer representing law enforcement officers.
Each member of the LEOFF Plan 1 disability board serves a 2 year term.
Summary of Bill:
Each city with a population of 30,000 (rather than 20,000) must establish a LEOFF Plan 1 disability board that has jurisdiction over all members employed by that respective city.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.