Subject of Possible Rule Making: Clarify TRS and PERS beneficiary designation requirements.

TRS Plan 3: Defined benefit plan retirement eligibility and member selection of an investment program.

Amend miscellaneous TRS and PERS rules to comply with new statutes and Executive Order 97-02.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050, 41.32.875, 41.34.060, 41.32.520 - [41.32.]523, 41.32.805, 41.32.895, 41.40.270, 41.40.700.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Per Executive Order 97-02, the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) is required to convert policies to rules regarding TRS Plan 3 retirement eligibility and member investment program selection. DRS seeks to clarify beneficiary designation requirements in compliance with Executive Order 97-02. Clarification will aid the department in determining the member's intended beneficiary(ies).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department did not seek input on the preliminary draft prior to filing the CR-101. Copies of the draft rules will be circulated to interested parties for comment. Interested parties include those persons known to the department, such as state employees, member organizations, employers and any other persons who requests a copy and/or opportunity to comment.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jack Bryant, PERS Plan Administrator, (360) 664-7193, Margaret Wimmer, TRS Plan Administrator, (360) 664-7044, Elyette M. Weinstein, Rules Coordinator, (360) 664-7307; Legal/Legislative Affairs, Department of Retirement Systems, P.O. Box 48380, Olympia, WA 98504-8380, fax (360) 664-3618.

October 1, 1999

Elyette M. Weinstein

Rules Coordinator

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office