WSR 20-09-003

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

RETIREMENT SYSTEMS

[Filed April 1, 2020, 3:54 p.m., effective April 1, 2020, 3:54 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: To suspend hourly limits on postretirement employment during a period of emergency proclaimed by the governor under RCW 43.06.010(12).

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 415-02-160 Will post-retirement employment performed during a period of emergency affect my retirement benefit?

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.50.050.

Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

Reasons for this Finding: Suspending the postretirement employment restrictions will allow public sector employers to retain or rehire experienced employees into critical positions necessary for an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Date Adopted: April 1, 2020.

Tracy Guerin

Director

NEW SECTION

WAC 415-02-160Will postretirement employment performed during a period of emergency affect my retirement benefit?

During a period of emergency proclaimed by the governor under RCW 43.06.010(12) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and for which the governor has waived or suspended applicable statutory limitations, public service employment performed by a retiree shall not cause a suspension or reduction of retirement benefits.

For the purpose of this section, a "period of emergency" includes only the following: COVID-19 pandemic, for the period covered by the governor's proclamation.