Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 1109
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: Authorizing membership in the teachers' retirement system for certificated employees of the superintendent of public instruction.
Sponsors: Representatives Reykdal, Wilcox and Bergquist.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/15
Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:
The Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) provides retirement benefits for most regularly compensated employees in ongoing positions who work for state agencies and most other public employers in Washington. General service employees of participating employers are usually in PERS unless included in one of the other state retirement system plans such as the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF).
School district employees are generally divided into the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) or the School Employees' Retirement System (SERS). The TRS covers employees who are certificated by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to teach and are employed by a public school, educational service district, or the state in an instructional, administrative, or supervisory capacity. The SERS covers non-certificated school district employees unless they established membership in PERS Plan 1 prior to closure of the plan in 1977.
The position of Superintendent of Public Instruction is specifically designated as an eligible position covered by TRS, rather than PERS.
Summary of Bill:
Persons employed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and qualified to teach are added to the definition of "teacher" and participate in the Teachers' Retirement System, rather than the Public Employees' Retirement System.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.