HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1105

Brief Description:  Permits legislators who are members of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) or participants in TIAA/CREF to continue in membership while serving in the Legislature.

Background:  Members of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), and the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) may earn credit while serving as legislators.  Members of the Washington State Patrol Retirement System or participants in TIAA/CREF, a non-profit retirement system for higher education faculty, are not permitted this option.

Summary:  WSPRS members serving on or after January 1, 1995, may continue to earn service credit during the legislative session.  The Legislature will pay the employer contributions to the WSPRS based on the compensation the member would have earned had the member not served in the Legislature.

TIAA/CREF members serving on or after January 1, 1997, may choose to continue their participation in that retirement program during the legislative session.  The employing institution of higher education pays the employee=s salary attributable to legislative service and corresponding employer contributions.  The Legislature will reimburse the institution for both the salary and the employer contributions.

Fiscal Note:  Available.