SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 248

BYRepresentatives Patrick, Gallagher, D. Sommers, Zellinsky, Walk, C. Smith, Schmidt, Prince, B. Williams, Hankins, Haugen, Day, Kremen, L. Smith, Moyer and Miller

Increasing state patrol retirement allowances of certain surviving spouses.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Fleming, Kreidler, McDonald, Moore, Owen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Vognild, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                  March 27, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 26, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The current minimum retirement allowance under the Washington State Patrol Retirement System is $10 per month for each year of service credit.

There are 11 surviving spouses who began receiving State Patrol retirement allowances before January 1, 1970.  These persons range in age from 62 to 91 years, with an average age of 74.9 years.

Current monthly retirement allowances for these surviving spouses range from $235.78 to $516.97, with an average of $340.90 per month.

An increase in each of these persons' retirement allowances of $200.00 per month would cost a total of $52,800 for a biennium.

SUMMARY:

The minimum retirement allowance for beneficiaries under the Washington State Patrol Retirement System is increased from $10 to $13 per month for each year of service credit.

The minimum retirement benefit is increased to $23 per month for each year of service credit for those surviving spouses whose allowances commenced before January 1, 1970, and who are not receiving and are not eligible for federal old age, survivors, or disability benefits.  For surviving spouses of patrol members who died in service, the minimum service credit for benefit calculations is 20 years.

A maximum of $51,000 is appropriated from the Motor Vehicle Fund to pay for these cost-of-living adjustments in the 1987-89 biennium.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jerry Allard, Acting State Actuary