Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
SB 6218
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: Modifying the definition of salary for the Washington state patrol retirement system.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler and Conway; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/29/20
Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:
The Washington State Patrol Retirement System (WSPRS) was created in 1947 and covers all commissioned officers of the Washington State Patrol (WSP). In 2001 Engrossed Senate Bill 5143 (ESB 5143) was enacted, closing WSPRS Plan 1 as of December 31, 2002, and creating a Plan 2 covering fully commissioned officers entering the system on or after January 1, 2003.
In addition to creating Plan 2, ESB 5143 made several changes to Plan 1: it increased the cost-of-living adjustments provided to retired Plan 1 members; reduced contribution rates; and modified the definition of "salary" for the purposes of calculating pension benefits for all WSPRS members. One of the changes to the new definition of the salary for members enrolled in WSPRS on or after July 1, 2001, was to exclude lump sum payments for holiday pay, unused sick, vacation and annual leave, or any form of severance, from pension calculations. This time period covered Plan 1 members entering the Plan between July 1, 2001, and all members of Plan 2. The salary for WSPRS Plan 1 members enrolled prior to July 1, 2001, still included the lump sum payments in calculating pension benefits.
Summary of Bill:
The definition of salary for the purposes of calculating pension benefits for WSPRS Plan 1 members that entered the system on or after July 1, 2001, is changed to allow for the inclusion of lump sum payments for holiday pay and unused vacation and annual leave.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.