Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
SB 6263
Brief Description: Concerning death benefits provided by the 1955 act for firefighters' relief and pensions.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, L., Boehnke, Cleveland, Conway, Keiser, Lovelett, Lovick, Rivers, Schoesler, Torres and Wellman.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the funeral benefit for firefighters covered by a pre-Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System pension from $500 to $1,000.
Hearing Date: 2/22/24
Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).
Background:

The Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 1 provides retirement and disability benefits to law enforcement officers and firefighters who entered eligible employment between 1969 and 1977.  Since 1977 eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters have entered LEOFF Plan 2.  Before the implementation of LEOFF Plan 1 in 1970, law enforcement and firefighter pensions were administered separately by local pension boards and chapters of law.

 

At the time of death of a firefighter covered by a pre-LEOFF pension, the local pension fund will pay $500 to defray funeral expenses.  A death benefit available to law enforcement officers covered by a pre-LEOFF pension that worked for a city pays $1,000 to the spouse or other specified beneficiaries.
Summary of Bill:

The funeral benefit for firefighters covered by a pre-LEOFF pension is increased from $500 to $1,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.