SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6212

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Pullen, Vognild, Conner, von Reichbauer and Garrett)

Revising membership eligibility of retirement boards for fire fighters and law enforcement officers.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988; January 28, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6212 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Halsan, Madsen, Niemi, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

                  February 29, 1988

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Law enforcement officers and firefighters are members of the LEOFF I (membership established prior to September 30, 1977) and LEOFF II (membership established subsequent to September 30, 1977) retirement systems for pension and disability benefits.

Claims for disability benefits for LEOFF I members are approved or disapproved by city or county disability boards under the provisions of the LEOFF I system.  Disability benefits for LEOFF II members are as provided under the Industrial Insurance Act, Title 51 RCW. 

However, membership on the LEOFF I disability boards are composed of actively employed LEOFF I and LEOFF II members, even though LEOFF II members have no direct interest in the proper functioning of the boards.

It is suggested that the operation of the local disability boards would be enhanced if retired members of LEOFF I system were given the right to serve on the local disability boards and also elect members to the board.

SUMMARY:

Retired members of the LEOFF I retirement system are eligible to elect members to the disability boards and also serve on the disability boards.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Charlie Marsh, Washington State Council of Police Officers; Howard Victzke, Firefighters; Dick Warbkouch, Seattle Firefighters; John Richmond, Retired Firefighters; Dick Barrett, Seattle Police Officers Guild

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

Technical amendments are made to clarify that active and retired members of LEOFF I are eligible to serve on the disability boards.