SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6371

                    As of January 31, 2000

Title:  An act relating to death benefits for school employees.

Brief Description:  Paying death benefits for school employees.

Sponsors:  Senators Eide, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles, Fairley, Spanel, Fraser, Prentice, Snyder, Bauer, B. Sheldon, Franklin, Goings, Winsley and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/31/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background:  Under current law, there is no statute authorizing a death benefit claim for school employees killed in the course of their employment.  However, the current state operating budget establishes, for a two year period ending June 30, 2001, a $150,000 death benefit if a teacher is killed in the course of employment.

Summary of Bill:  A $150,000 death benefit is placed into law for school employees killed in the course of their employment.  Those eligible to receive the benefits are members of the retirement systems applicable to teachers, classified staff, and employees of school districts or educational service districts.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 25, 2000.

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