RCW 41.26.520
Service credit for paid leave of absence, officers of labor organizations, unpaid leave of absence, military service, death or disability while providing emergency management services.
(1) A member who is on a paid leave of absence authorized by a member's employer shall continue to receive service credit as provided for under the provisions of RCW 41.26.410
through
41.26.550
.
(2) A member who receives compensation from an employer while on an authorized leave of absence to serve as an elected official of a labor organization, and whose employer is reimbursed by the labor organization for the compensation paid to the member during the period of absence, may also be considered to be on a paid leave of absence. This subsection shall only apply if the member's leave of absence is authorized by a collective bargaining agreement that provides that the member retains seniority rights with the employer during the period of leave. The basic salary reported for a member who establishes service credit under this subsection may not be greater than the salary paid to the highest paid job class covered by the collective bargaining agreement.
(3) Except as specified in subsection (7) of this section, a member shall be eligible to receive a maximum of two years service credit during a member's entire working career for those periods when a member is on an unpaid leave of absence authorized by an employer. If the member retires instead of returning to work, the member is eligible for this credit. Such credit may be obtained only if the member makes the employer, member, and state contributions plus interest as determined by the department for the period of the authorized leave of absence within five years of resumption of service or prior to retirement whichever comes sooner.
(4) A law enforcement member may be authorized by an employer to work part time and to go on a part-time leave of absence. During a part-time leave of absence a member is prohibited from any other employment with their employer. A member is eligible to receive credit for any portion of service credit not earned during a month of part-time leave of absence if the member makes the employer, member, and state contributions, plus interest, as determined by the department for the period of the authorized leave within five years of resumption of full-time service or prior to retirement whichever comes sooner. Any service credit purchased for a part-time leave of absence is included in the two-year maximum provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(5) If a member fails to meet the time limitations of subsection (3) or (4) of this section, the member may receive a maximum of two years of service credit during a member's working career for those periods when a member is on unpaid leave of absence authorized by an employer. This may be done by paying the amount required under RCW 41.50.165
(2) prior to retirement.
(6) For the purpose of subsection (3) or (4) of this section, the contribution shall not include the contribution for the unfunded supplemental present value as required by RCW 41.45.060, 41.45.061, and
41.45.067
. The contributions required shall be based on the average of the member's basic salary at both the time the authorized leave of absence was granted and the time the member resumed employment. If the member retires instead of returning to work, the contributions required shall be based on the member's basic salary at the time the authorized leave of absence was granted adjusted for any cost-of-living or other pay increases provided to similar jobs or job classes during the leave period.
(7) A member who leaves the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services of the United States shall be entitled to retirement system service credit for up to five years of military service. This subsection shall be administered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the federal uniformed services employment and reemployment rights act.
(a) The member qualifies for service credit under this subsection if:
(i) Within ninety days of the member's honorable discharge from the uniformed services of the United States, the member applies for reemployment with the employer who employed the member immediately prior to the member entering the uniformed services; and
(ii) The member makes the employee contributions required under RCW 41.45.060, 41.45.061, and
41.45.067
within five years of resumption of service or prior to retirement, whichever comes sooner; or
(iii) Prior to retirement and not within ninety days of the member's honorable discharge or five years of resumption of service the member pays the amount required under RCW 41.50.165
(2); or
(iv) Prior to retirement the member provides to the director proof that the member's interruptive military service was during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005
. Any member who made payments for service credit for interruptive military service during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005
may, prior to retirement and on a form provided by the department, request a refund of the funds standing to his or her credit for up to five years of such service, and this amount shall be paid to him or her. Members with one or more periods of interruptive military service credit during a period of war may receive no more than five years of free retirement system service credit under this subsection.
(b) Upon receipt of member contributions under (a)(ii), (d)(iii), or (e)(iii) of this subsection, or adequate proof under (a)(iv), (d)(iv), or (e)(iv) of this subsection, the department shall establish the member's service credit and shall bill the employer and the state for their respective contributions required under RCW 41.26.450
for the period of military service, plus interest as determined by the department.
(c) The contributions required under (a)(ii), (d)(iii), or (e)(iii) of this subsection shall be based on the compensation the member would have earned if not on leave, or if that cannot be estimated with reasonable certainty, the compensation reported for the member in the year prior to when the member went on military leave.
(d) The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or eligible child or children of a member who left the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services of the United States and died while serving in the uniformed services may, on behalf of the deceased member, apply for retirement system service credit under this subsection up to the date of the member's death in the uniformed services. The department shall establish the deceased member's service credit if the surviving spouse or eligible child or children:
(i) Provides to the director proof of the member's death while serving in the uniformed services;
(ii) Provides to the director proof of the member's honorable service in the uniformed services prior to the date of death; and
(iii) Pays the employee contributions required under chapter
41.45
RCW within five years of the date of death or prior to the distribution of any benefit, whichever comes first; or
(iv) Prior to the distribution of any benefit, provides to the director proof that the member's interruptive military service was during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005
. If the deceased member made payments for service credit for interruptive military service during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005, the surviving spouse or eligible child or children may, prior to the distribution of any benefit and on a form provided by the department, request a refund of the funds standing to the deceased member's credit for up to five years of such service, and this amount shall be paid to the surviving spouse or children. Members with one or more periods of interruptive military service during a period of war may receive no more than five years of free retirement system service credit under this subsection.
(e) A member who leaves the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services of the United States and becomes totally incapacitated for continued employment by an employer while serving in the uniformed services is entitled to retirement system service credit under this subsection up to the date of discharge from the uniformed services if:
(i) The member obtains a determination from the director that he or she is totally incapacitated for continued employment due to conditions or events that occurred while serving in the uniformed services;
(ii) The member provides to the director proof of honorable discharge from the uniformed services; and
(iii) The member pays the employee contributions required under chapter
41.45
RCW within five years of the director's determination of total disability or prior to the distribution of any benefit, whichever comes first; or
(iv) Prior to retirement the member provides to the director proof that the member's interruptive military service was during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005
. Any member who made payments for service credit for interruptive military service during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005
may, prior to retirement and on a form provided by the department, request a refund of the funds standing to his or her credit for up to five years of such service, and this amount shall be paid to him or her. Members with one or more periods of interruptive military service credit during a period of war may receive no more than five years of free retirement system service credit under this subsection.
(f) The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or eligible child or children of a member who left the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services of the United States, federal emergency management agency, or national disaster medical system of the United States department of health and human services and died while performing service in response to a disaster, major emergency, special event, federal exercise, or official training on or after March 22, 2014, may, on behalf of the deceased member, apply for retirement system service credit under this subsection up to the date of the member's death in such service. The department shall establish the deceased member's service credit if the surviving spouse or eligible child or children provides to the director proof of the member's death while in such service.
(g) A member who leaves the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services of the United States, federal emergency management agency, or national disaster medical system of the United States department of health and human services and becomes totally incapacitated for continued employment by an employer while providing such service is entitled to retirement system service credit under this subsection up to the date of separation from such service if the member obtains a determination from the director that he or she is totally incapacitated for continued employment due to conditions or events that occurred while performing such service.
(8) A member receiving benefits under Title
51
RCW who is not receiving benefits under this chapter shall be deemed to be on unpaid, authorized leave of absence.
[
2025 c 112 s 1
;
2016 c 115 s 2
. Prior:
2009 c 523 s 8
;
2009 c 205 s 8
;
2005 c 64 s 9
;
2002 c 28 s 1
;
2000 c 247 s 1105
;
1996 c 61 s 1
;
1994 c 197 s 10
;
1993 c 95 s 4
;
1992 c 119 s 1
;
1989 c 88 s 2
;
1977 ex.s. c 294 s 13
.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
Subchapter headings not law
—
2000 c 247:
See RCW 41.40.931
and
41.40.932
.
Intent
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1994 c 197:
See notes following RCW 41.50.165
.
Retroactive application
—
Effective date
—
1993 c 95:
See notes following RCW 41.40.175
.
Retroactive application
—
1992 c 119:
"This act applies retroactively for retirement system service credit for military service which began on or after January 1, 1990." [
1992 c 119 s 4
.]
Legislative direction and placement
—
Section headings
—
1977 ex.s. c 294:
See notes following RCW 41.26.410
.
RCW 41.26.530
Vested membership.
(1) A member who separates or has separated after having completed at least five years of service may remain a member during the period of such member's absence from service for the exclusive purpose only of receiving a retirement allowance under the provisions of RCW 41.26.430
if such member maintains the member's accumulated contributions intact.
(2) The retirement allowance payable under the provisions of RCW 41.26.430
to a member who separates after having completed at least twenty years of service, and remains a member during the period of his or her absence from service by maintaining his or her accumulated contributions intact, shall be increased by twenty-five one-hundredths of one percent, compounded for each month from the date of separation to the date the retirement allowance commences as provided in RCW 41.26.490
.
[
1993 c 517 s 5
;
1977 ex.s. c 294 s 14
.]
NOTES:
Purpose
—
1993 c 517:
See note following RCW 41.26.420
.
Legislative direction and placement
—
Section headings
—
1977 ex.s. c 294:
See notes following RCW 41.26.410
.
RCW 41.26.540
Refund of contributions on termination.
(1)(a) A member who has completed less than ten years of service, who ceases to be an employee of an employer except by service or disability retirement, may request a refund of the member's accumulated contributions.
(b) A member who has completed ten or more years of service, who ceases to be an employee of an employer except by service or disability retirement, may request a refund of one hundred fifty percent of the member's accumulated contributions. Any accumulated contributions attributable to restorations made under RCW 41.50.165
(2) shall be refunded at one hundred percent.
(2) The refund shall be made within ninety days following the receipt of the request and notification of termination through the contribution reporting system by the employer; except that in the case of death, an initial payment shall be made within thirty days of receipt of request for such payment and notification of termination through the contribution reporting system by the employer. A member who files a request for refund and subsequently enters into employment with another employer prior to the refund being made shall not be eligible for a refund. The refund of accumulated contributions shall terminate all rights to benefits under RCW 41.26.410
through
41.26.550
.
[
1995 c 245 s 2
;
1993 c 517 s 6
;
1982 1st ex.s. c 52 s 5
;
1977 ex.s. c 294 s 15
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 245:
See note following RCW 41.26.510
.
Purpose
—
1993 c 517:
See note following RCW 41.26.420
.
Effective dates
—
1982 1st ex.s. c 52:
See note following RCW 2.10.180
.
Legislative direction and placement
—
Section headings
—
1977 ex.s. c 294:
See notes following RCW 41.26.410
.
RCW 41.26.545
Emergency medical technicians
—
Establishing service credit
—
Dates
—
Process
—
Contributions.
(1) A member who provided service as an emergency medical technician to an employer may establish credit for such service rendered on or after July 24, 2005, and prior to July 23, 2017, unless that service is already credited. Upon receipt of a written request, the department of retirement systems must notify the member of the cost to establish credit for all or part of such service.
(a) Before July 1, 2018, a member not enrolled in the public employees' retirement system for service between July 24, 2005, and July 23, 2017, may elect to establish credit in plan 2 under this section. Such election must be filed in writing with the department of retirement systems by June 30, 2018. The elected period must be in contiguous monthly increments beginning with the oldest service.
(i) To establish service under this section, except as provided in RCW 41.26.546, the member must pay the employee contributions he or she would have paid if he or she had been participating in the retirement system at the time of the service:
(A) No later than five years from the effective date of the election made under this section; and
(B) Prior to retirement.
(ii) Upon full payment of employee contributions for the elected period of service the department of retirement systems must:
(A) Credit the member with the service; and
(B) Bill the employer for the employer contributions it would have paid if such member had been participating in the retirement system at the time of such service. The amount billed to the employer by the department of retirement systems must be reduced by the amount of any employer contributions to an employee's retirement account prior to January 1, 2016, not to exceed three percent of the member's basic salary from July 1, 2005, through December 31, 2015.
(iii) The employer shall pay the required amount prior to July 1, 2028.
(b)(i) A member of the public employees' retirement system who is eligible for membership in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 under this section may:
(A) Make an election in writing to the department of retirement systems by January 1, 2018, to remain a member of the public employees' retirement system and not participate in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2;
(B) Leave any service credit earned as a member of the public employees' retirement system in the public employees' retirement system, and have service rendered on or after January 1, 2018, as an emergency medical technician in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2, becoming a dual member under the provisions of chapter
41.54
RCW; or
(C) Before July 1, 2018, elect to transfer service credit previously earned as an emergency medical technician to the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.26.030
. Such election must be filed in writing with the department of retirement systems by June 30, 2018.
(I) A member who elects to transfer service credit under this subsection (1)(b) shall pay, for the applicable period of service, the difference between the contributions the employee paid to the public employees' retirement system plan and the contributions that would have been paid by the employee had the employee been a member of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2, plus interest on this difference as determined by the director.
(II) The payment under (a) of this subsection must be made no later than five years from the effective date of the election and must be made prior to retirement, except as provided under RCW 41.26.546
.
(2) Upon transfer or establishment of service credit, contributions, and interest under this section, the employee is permanently excluded from membership in the public employees' retirement system for all service transfers related to their time served as an emergency medical technician under the public employees' retirement system.
(3) Employers shall provide the department of retirement systems with a list of former employees who were employed as emergency medical technicians on or after July 24, 2005, and who are eligible to establish credit for service under this section. The list must include a former employee's name, last known address, and period of employment. The department of retirement systems must notify former employees of the process and cost to establish credit for service under this section.
[
2017 c 309 s 2
.]
RCW 41.26.546
Emergency medical technicians
—
Member elects to transfer under RCW 41.26.545
—
Death
—
Retirement for disability.
If a member who elected to transfer pursuant to RCW 41.26.545
dies or retires for disability prior to five years from their election date, the member's benefit is calculated as follows:
(1) All of the applicable service credit, accumulated contributions, and interest is transferred to or established in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 and used in the calculation of a benefit.
(2) If a member's obligation under RCW 41.26.545
has not been paid in full at the time of death or disability retirement, the member, or in the case of death the surviving spouse or eligible minor children, have the following options:
(a) Pay the bill in full;
(b) If a continuing monthly benefit is chosen, have the benefit actuarially reduced to reflect the amount of the unpaid obligation under RCW 41.26.545
; or
(c) Continue to make payment against the obligation under RCW 41.26.545, provided that payment in full is made no later than five years from the member's original election date.
[
2017 c 309 s 3
.]
RCW 41.26.550
Reentry.
(1) A member, who had left service and withdrawn the member's funds pursuant to RCW 41.26.540, shall receive service credit for such prior service if the member restores all withdrawn funds together with interest since the time of withdrawal as determined by the department.
The restoration of such funds must be completed within five years of the resumption of service or prior to retirement, whichever occurs first.
(2) If a member fails to meet the time limitations of subsection (1) of this section, the member may receive service credit destroyed by the withdrawn contributions if the amount required under RCW 41.50.165
(2) is paid.
[
1994 c 197 s 11
;
1993 c 517 s 7
;
1977 ex.s. c 294 s 16
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1994 c 197:
See notes following RCW 41.50.165
.
Purpose
—
1993 c 517:
See note following RCW 41.26.420
.
Legislative direction and placement
—
Section headings
—
1977 ex.s. c 294:
See notes following RCW 41.26.410
.
RCW 41.26.555
Lump sum defined benefit
—
Payable January 31, 2023.
(1) Members who are retired on or before February 1, 2021, will receive a one-time lump sum defined benefit of $100 per service credit month payable by January 31, 2023.
(a) Members who retired for an in the line of duty disability under RCW 41.26.470
shall receive the greater of the lump sum defined benefit of $100 per service credit month or a lump sum defined benefit of $20,000.
(b) A member's beneficiary is eligible for an in the line of duty death benefit under RCW 41.26.048
. If there is more than one eligible beneficiary the lump sum defined benefit will be distributed in accordance with RCW 41.26.048
.
(c) If the member is deceased the member's survivor beneficiary under RCW 41.26.460
is eligible for this lump sum defined benefit.
(2) Members who are active in the plan on or before February 1, 2021, must make an irrevocable choice at retirement between the tiered multiplier benefit defined in RCW 41.26.420
(3) or a one-time lump sum defined benefit of $100 per service credit month to be paid at retirement.
(a) Members who retire for an in the line of duty disability under RCW 41.26.470
and who elect to receive this lump sum defined benefit shall receive the greater of the lump sum defined benefit of $100 per service credit month or a lump sum defined benefit of $20,000.
(b) A member's beneficiary eligible for an in the line of duty death benefit under RCW 41.26.048
and who elects to receive this lump sum defined benefit shall receive the greater of the lump sum defined benefit of $100 per service credit month or a lump sum defined benefit of $20,000. If there is more than one eligible beneficiary the lump sum defined benefit will be distributed in accordance with RCW 41.26.048
.
(c) For a beneficiary of a member who dies in service but not in an in the line of duty death, the distribution shall be made according to the member's beneficiary designation under this chapter.
(3) Members who are inactive on or before February 1, 2021, but who later return to membership must make an irrevocable choice at retirement between the tiered multiplier benefit in RCW 41.26.420
and this lump sum defined benefit.
(4) Members who receive a refund of contributions under RCW 41.26.540
are not eligible for this lump sum defined benefit.
(5) This lump sum defined benefit is exempt from judicial process and taxes under RCW 41.26.053
.
(6) Any member who receives this lump sum defined benefit is not eligible for the tiered multiplier benefit in RCW 41.26.420
.
[
2022 c 125 s 2
.]
RCW 41.26.565
Tribal general authority peace officers
—
State-tribal compacts.
(1) The governor is authorized to enter into state-tribal compacts for the participation of tribal general authority peace officers meeting the terms and conditions of this section in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2.
(2) The governor shall establish an application and approval process, procedures, and timelines for the negotiation, approval or disapproval, and execution of state-tribal law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 compacts.
(3) The process may be initiated by submission, to the governor, of a resolution by the governing body of a federally recognized tribe in the state of Washington.
(4) The resolution must be accompanied by an application that indicates the police department whose employees will be offered participation in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2, and that demonstrates that the police department will be operated solely as a governmental entity and compliant with all applicable state and federal laws, the rules adopted thereunder, and the terms and conditions set forth in the application.
(5) Within 90 days of receipt of a resolution and application under this section, the governor must convene a government-to-government meeting for the purpose of considering the resolution and application and initiating negotiations.
(6) State-tribal law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 participation compacts must include provisions regarding:
(a) Acknowledgment by the tribe that it affirmatively chooses to participate in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system for tribal law enforcement officers meeting the criteria of this section;
(b) Evidence that the person or persons who sign the compact on behalf of a tribe have authority under tribal law to bind the tribe to all provisions in the compact, including any waiver of sovereign immunity;
(c) If the tribe chooses to participate in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system:
(i) Agreement by the tribe that it meets the definition of an employer as defined in this chapter;
(ii) Agreement by the tribe to adhere to all reporting, contribution, and auditing requirements as defined in this chapter, and all rules adopted under authority of RCW 41.50.050
(5), including RCW 41.26.062
; and
(iii) Agreement by the tribe that, at the request of the criminal justice training commission, the tribe will make available any records the tribe has provided to the department of retirement systems as required under the reporting, contribution, and auditing requirements defined in this chapter or chapter
41.50
RCW, and rules implementing those chapters;
(d) Agreement by the tribe to a limited waiver of sovereign immunity and consent to the jurisdiction of the Washington state courts for the purpose of enforcing the reporting, contribution, and auditing requirements defined in this chapter and all rules adopted under authority of RCW 41.50.050
(5), including RCW 41.26.062
;
(e) Agreement by the tribe to dissolution procedures memorialized in the state-tribal compact so that all parties are aware of their expectations and duties if the compact terminates or the tribal law enforcement agency chooses to no longer participate in the state retirement systems at a future date, specifically including withdrawal liability and examples of the scale of withdrawal liability for an employer with a tribal law enforcement agency similar in size to the tribe memorializing the compact;
(f) Acknowledgment by the tribe that it has been advised that choosing to no longer participate in the retirement systems may result in federal tax implications for the governing body and its employees that are outside the control of the state of Washington, the department of retirement systems, and that the tribe has been encouraged to seek counsel before agreeing to any dissolution procedures in the compact; and
(g) Acknowledgment by both parties that the pension system participation portions of the state-tribal compact are null and void if the federal internal revenue service issues guidance stating that any portion of those sections are in conflict with the plan qualification requirements for governmental plans in section 401(a) of the internal revenue code, and the conflict cannot be resolved through administrative action, statutory change, or amendment to the state-tribal compact.
(7) For tribes that opt out of pension system participation, such tribal law enforcement employees shall have no right to earn additional service credit in the plan.
[
2023 c 77 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 77:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2025." [
2023 c 77 s 5
.]
RCW 41.26.567
Tribal general authority peace officers
—
Establishing service credit for prior service.
(1) A member who is employed as a law enforcement officer with the police department of the government of a federally recognized tribe on July 1, 2025, may establish credit for such service rendered prior to July 1, 2025, unless service is either already credited for those periods, or a member was in receipt of retirement benefits from any retirement system listed in RCW 41.50.030
. Upon receipt of a written request, the department of retirement systems must notify the member of the cost to establish credit for all or part of such service. Service credit may only be established for periods prior to July 1, 2025, if that service meets the requirements of RCW 41.26.030
.
(2) Before July 1, 2026, a member may elect to establish credit in plan 2 under this section. Such election must be filed in writing with the department of retirement systems by June 30, 2026. The elected period must be in monthly increments beginning with the oldest service.
(a) To establish service under this section, the member must pay the actuarial value of the resulting increase in their benefit in a manner defined by the department: (i) No later than five years from the effective date of the election made under this section; and (ii) prior to retirement.
(b) Upon full payment of employee contributions for the elected period of service the department of retirement systems must credit the member with the service.
[
2023 c 77 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 77:
See note following RCW 41.26.565
.
RCW 41.26.570
Overpayments of benefits caused by employer error.
(1) If an overpayment for a law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 retiree was due to an employer erroneously reporting law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 member information to the department, and the erroneous reporting was not the result of the member's nondisclosure, fraud, misrepresentation, or other fault, the employer is liable for the resulting overpayment.
(2) Upon receipt of a billing from the department, the employer shall pay into the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' system plan 2 retirement fund the amount of the overpayment plus interest as determined by the director. The employer's liability under this section shall not exceed the amount of overpayments plus interest received by the retiree within one year of the date of discovery, except in the case of fraud committed by the employer. In the case of fraud committed by the employer, the employer is liable for the entire overpayment plus interest.
[
2024 c 304 s 302
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2024 c 304 ss 301 and 302:
"Sections 301 and 302 of this act take effect January 1, 2025." [
2024 c 304 s 303
.]
RCW 41.26.700
Overview
—
Intent.
The law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 is currently subject to policymaking by the legislature's joint committee on pension policy with ratification by the members of the legislature and is administered by the department of retirement systems.
Members of the plan have no direct input into the management of their retirement program. Forty-six other states currently have member representation in their pension management. Chapter 2, Laws of 2003 is intended to give management of the retirement program to the people whose lives are directly affected by it and who provide loyal and valiant service to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington.
[
2003 c 2 s 1
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
RCW 41.26.705
Intent
—
2003 c 2.
It is the intent of chapter 2, Laws of 2003 to:
(1) Establish a board of trustees responsible for the adoption of actuarial standards to be applied to the plan;
(2) Provide for additional benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers subject to the cost limitations provided for in chapter 2, Laws of 2003;
(3) Exercise fiduciary responsibility in the oversight of those pension management functions assigned to the board;
(4) Provide effective monitoring of the plan by providing an annual report to the legislature, to the members and beneficiaries of the plan, and to the public;
(5) Establish contribution rates for employees, employers, and the state of Washington that will guaranty viability of the plan, subject to the limitations provided for in chapter 2, Laws of 2003;
(6) Provide for an annual budget and to pay costs from the trust, as part of the normal cost of the plan; and
(7) Enable the board of trustees to retain professional and technical advisors as necessary for the fulfillment of their statutory responsibilities.
[
2003 c 2 s 2
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
RCW 41.26.710
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Member" or "beneficiary" means:
(a) Current and future law enforcement officers and firefighters who are contributing to the plan;
(b) Retired employees or their named beneficiaries who receive benefits from the plan; and
(c) Separated vested members of the plan who are not currently receiving benefits.
(2) "Plan" means the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2.
(3) "Actuary" means the actuary employed by the board of trustees.
(4) "State actuary" means the actuary employed by the department.
(5) "Board" means the board of trustees.
(6) "Board member" means a member of the board of trustees.
(7) "Department" means the department of retirement systems.
(8) "Minimum benefits" means those benefits provided for in chapter
41.26
RCW as of July 1, 2003.
(9) "Employer" means the same as under *RCW 41.26.030
(2)(b).
(10) "Enrolled actuary" means an actuary who is enrolled under the employee retirement income security act of 1974 (Subtitle C of Title III) and who is a member of the society of actuaries or the American academy of actuaries.
(11) "Increased benefit" means a benefit in addition to the minimum benefits.
(12) "Trust" means the assets of the plan.
(13) "Benefits" means the age or service or combination thereof required for retirement, the level of service and disability retirement benefits, survivorship benefits, payment options including a deferred retirement option plan, average final compensation, postretirement cost-of-living adjustments, including health care and the elements of compensation. Benefits shall not include the classifications of employment eligible to participate in the plan.
(14) "Actuarially sound" means the plan is sufficiently funded to meet its projected liabilities and to defray the reasonable expenses of its operation based upon commonly accepted, sound actuarial principles.
[
2003 c 2 s 3
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 41.26.030
was alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015
(2)(k), changing subsection (2)(b) to subsection (14)(b).
RCW 41.26.715
Board of trustees
—
Created
—
Selection of trustees
—
Terms of office
—
Vacancies.
(1) An eleven member board of trustees is hereby created.
(a) Before January 1, 2007, three of the board members shall be active law enforcement officers who are participants in the plan. Beginning with the first vacancy on or after January 1, 2007, two board members shall be active law enforcement officers who are participants in the plan and one board member shall be either an active or a retired law enforcement officer who is a participant of the plan. The law enforcement officer board members shall be appointed by the governor from a list provided by a recognized statewide council whose membership consists exclusively of guilds, associations, and unions representing state and local government police officers, deputies, and sheriffs and excludes federal law enforcement officers.
(b) Before January 1, 2007, three of the board members shall be active firefighters who are participants in the plan. Beginning with the first vacancy on or after January 1, 2007, two board members shall be active firefighters who are participants in the plan and one board member shall be either an active or a retired firefighter who is a participant of the plan. The firefighter board members shall be appointed by the governor from a list provided by a recognized statewide council, affiliated with an international association representing the interests of firefighters.
(c) Three of the board members shall be representatives of employers and shall be appointed by the governor.
(d) One board member shall be a member of the house of representatives who is appointed by the governor based on the recommendation of the speaker of the house of representatives.
(e) One board member shall be a member of the senate who is appointed by the governor based on the recommendation of the majority leader of the senate.
(f) After January 1, 2008, at least one board member must be a retired participant of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2. This member may be appointed under (a) through (e) of this subsection.
(2) The initial law enforcement officer and firefighter board members shall serve terms of six, four, and two years, respectively. Thereafter, law enforcement officer and firefighter board members serve terms of six years. The initial employer representative board members shall serve terms of four, five, and six years, respectively. Thereafter, employer representative board members serve terms of four years. The initial legislative board members shall serve terms of five years and six months. Thereafter, legislative board members serve terms of two years, which begin on January 1st of odd-numbered years. Board members may be reappointed to succeeding terms without limitation. Board members shall serve until their successors are appointed and seated.
(3) In the event of a vacancy on the board, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as prescribed for an initial appointment.
[
2007 c 303 s 1
;
2003 c 2 s 4
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
RCW 41.26.7151
Board of trustees
—
Political party representation.
The legislative board members appointed under RCW 41.26.715
must include one member from the two largest political parties. The speaker of the house of representatives shall request a recommendation from the minority leader of the house of representatives if a member from the opposite party must be recommended for appointment. The majority leader of the senate shall request a recommendation from the minority leader of the senate if a member from the opposite party must be recommended for appointment.
[
2007 c 303 s 2
.]
RCW 41.26.717
Additional duties and powers of board.
The law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board established in section 4, chapter 2, Laws of 2003 has the following duties and powers in addition to any other duties or powers authorized or required by law. The board:
(1) Shall hire an executive director, and shall fix the salary of the executive director subject to periodic review by the board and in consultation with the director of the office of financial management and shall provide notice to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate fiscal committees of changes;
(2) Shall employ a deputy director and research and policy analysts who shall be exempt from civil service under chapter
41.06
RCW. Compensation levels for the deputy director and research and policy analysts employed by the board shall be established and fixed by the board in consultation with the director of the office of financial management. When setting salaries for these positions, the board must consider comparable public sector positions using market-driven data. Once compensation levels are determined, the board shall provide notice to the chairs of the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate of proposed changes to the compensation levels for the positions;
(3) Shall employ other staff as necessary to implement the purposes of chapter 2, Laws of 2003. Staff must be state employees under this title;
(4) Shall adopt an annual budget as provided in section 5, chapter 2, Laws of 2003. Expenses of the board are paid from the expense fund created in RCW 41.26.732
;
(5) May make, execute, and deliver contracts, conveyances, and other instruments necessary to exercise and discharge its powers and duties;
(6) May contract for all or part of the services necessary for the management and operation of the board with other state or nonstate entities authorized to do business in the state; and
(7) May contract with actuaries, auditors, and other consultants as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
[
2024 c 304 s 501
;
2018 c 272 s 2
;
2003 c 92 s 1
.]
RCW 41.26.720
Board of trustees
—
Powers
—
Meeting procedures
—
Quorum
—
Judicial review
—
Budget.
(1) The board of trustees have the following powers and duties and shall:
(a) Adopt actuarial tables, assumptions, and cost methodologies in consultation with an enrolled actuary retained by the board. The state actuary shall provide assistance when the board requests. The actuary retained by the board shall utilize the aggregate actuarial cost method, or other recognized actuarial cost method based on a level percentage of payroll, as that term is employed by the American academy of actuaries. The actuary retained by the board shall adjust the actuarial cost method to recognize the actuarial present value of future revenue that will be included in the calculation of the market value of assets pursuant to RCW 41.26.805
(2), using the methods and assumptions employed by the state actuary in RCW 41.26.805
(9). In determining the reasonableness of actuarial valuations, assumptions, and cost methodologies, the actuary retained by the board shall provide a copy of all such calculations to the state actuary. If the two actuaries concur on the calculations, contributions shall be made as set forth in the report of the board's actuary. If the two actuaries cannot agree, they shall appoint a third, independent, enrolled actuary who shall review the calculations of the actuary retained by the board and the state actuary. Thereafter, contributions shall be based on the methodology most closely following that of the third actuary;
(b)(i) Provide for the design and implementation of increased benefits for members and beneficiaries of the plan, subject to the contribution limitations under RCW 41.26.725
. An increased benefit may not be approved by the board until an actuarial cost of the benefit has been determined by the actuary and contribution rates adjusted as may be required to maintain the plan on a sound actuarial basis. Increased benefits as approved by the board shall be presented to the legislature on January 1st of each year. The increased benefits as approved by the board shall become effective within ninety days unless a bill is enacted in the next ensuing session of the legislature, by majority vote of each house of the legislature, repealing the action of the board;
(ii) As an alternative to the procedure in (b)(i) of this subsection, recommend to the legislature changes in the benefits for members and beneficiaries, without regard to the cost limitations in RCW 41.26.725
(3). Benefits adopted in this manner shall have the same contractual protections as the minimum benefits in the plan. The recommendations of the board shall be presented to the legislature on January 1st of each year. These measures shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature, except appropriations bills, and shall be either enacted or rejected without change or amendment by the legislature before the end of such regular session;
(c) Retain professional and technical advisors necessary for the accomplishment of its duties. The cost of these services may be withdrawn from the trust;
(d) Consult with the department for the purpose of improving benefit administration and member services;
(e) Provide an annual report to the governor and the legislature setting forth the actuarial funding status of the plan and making recommendations for improvements in those aspects of retirement administration directed by the legislature or administered by the department;
(f) Establish uniform administrative rules and operating policies in the manner prescribed by law;
(g) Engage administrative staff and acquire office space independent of, or in conjunction with, the department. The department shall provide funding from its budget for these purposes;
(h) Publish on an annual basis a schedule of increased benefits together with a summary of the minimum benefits as established by the legislature which shall constitute the official plan document; and
(i) Be the fiduciary of the plan and discharge the board's duties solely in the interest of the members and beneficiaries of the plan.
(2) Meetings of the board of trustees shall be conducted as follows:
(a) All board meetings are open to the public, preceded by timely public notice;
(b) All actions of the board shall be taken in open public session, except for those matters which may be considered in executive session as provided by law;
(c) The board shall retain minutes of each meeting setting forth the names of those board members present and absent, and their voting record on any voted issue; and
(d) The board may establish, with the assistance of the appropriate office of state government, an internet website providing for interactive communication with state government, members and beneficiaries of the plan, and the public.
(3) A quorum of the board is six board members. All board actions require six concurring votes.
(4) The decisions of the board shall be made in good faith and are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. The decisions of the board shall be subject to judicial review as provided by law.
(5) A law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 expense fund is established for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the board. The board shall cause an annual budget to be prepared consistent with the requirements of chapter
43.88
RCW and shall draw the funding for the budget from the investment income of the trust. Board members shall be reimbursed for travel and education expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
. The board shall make an annual report to the governor, legislature, and state auditor setting forth a summary of the costs and expenditures of the plan for the preceding year. The board shall also retain the services of an independent, certified public accountant who shall annually audit the expenses of the fund and whose report shall be included in the board's annual report.
[
2008 c 99 s 5
;
2003 c 2 s 5
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Purpose
—
2008 c 99:
See note following RCW 41.26.802
.
RCW 41.26.725
Board of trustees
—
Contributions
—
Minimum and increased benefits.
(1) The board of trustees shall establish contributions as set forth in this section. The cost of the minimum benefits as defined in this plan shall be funded on the following ratio:
Employee contributions
50%
Employer contributions
30%
State contributions
20%
(2) The minimum benefits shall constitute a contractual obligation of the state and the contributing employers and may not be reduced below the levels in effect on July 1, 2003. The state and the contributing employers shall maintain the minimum benefits on a sound actuarial basis in accordance with the actuarial standards adopted by the board.
(3) Increased benefits created as provided for in RCW 41.26.720
are granted on a basis not to exceed the contributions provided for in this section. In addition to the contributions necessary to maintain the minimum benefits, for any increased benefits provided for by the board, the employee contribution shall not exceed fifty percent of the actuarial cost of the benefit. In no instance shall the employee cost exceed ten percent of covered payroll without the consent of a majority of the affected employees. Employer contributions shall not exceed thirty percent of the cost, but in no instance shall the employer contribution exceed six percent of covered payroll. State contributions shall not exceed twenty percent of the cost, but in no instance shall the state contribution exceed four percent of covered payroll. Employer contributions may not be increased above the maximum under this section without the consent of the governing body of the employer. State contributions may not be increased above the maximum provided for in this section without the consent of the legislature. In the event that the cost of maintaining the increased benefits on a sound actuarial basis exceeds the aggregate contributions provided for in this section, the board shall submit to the affected members of the plan the option of paying the increased costs or of having the increased benefits reduced to a level sufficient to be maintained by the aggregate contributions. The reduction of benefits in accordance with this section shall not be deemed a violation of the contractual rights of the members, provided that no reduction may result in benefits being lower than the level of the minimum benefits.
(4) The board shall manage the trust in a manner that maintains reasonable contributions and administrative costs. Providing additional benefits to members and beneficiaries is the board's priority.
[
2003 c 93 s 1
;
2003 c 2 s 6
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2003 c 93:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 23, 2003]." [
2003 c 93 s 2
.]
RCW 41.26.730
Joint committee on pension policy
—
Pension funding council.
The joint committee on pension policy established in *RCW 44.44.050, and the pension funding council created in RCW 41.45.100, shall have no applicability or authority over matters relating to this plan.
[
2003 c 2 s 7
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 44.44.050
was repealed by
2003 c 295 s 15
.
RCW 41.26.732
Plan 2 expense fund
—
Board oversight and administration
—
State investment board.
(1) A law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 expense fund is created within the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund.
(2) The state investment board has the full power to invest, reinvest, manage, contract, sell, or exchange investment money in the expense fund. The state investment board is authorized to adopt investment policies for the money in the expense fund. All investment and operating costs associated with the investment of money shall be paid pursuant to RCW 43.33A.160
and
43.84.160
. With the exception of these expenses, the earnings from the investment of the money shall be retained by the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund.
(3) All investments made by the investment board shall be made with the exercise of that degree of judgment and care pursuant to RCW 43.33A.140
and the investment policy established by the state investment board.
(4) When appropriate for investment purposes, the state investment board may commingle money in the expense fund with other funds.
(5) The authority to establish all policies relating to the expense fund, other than the investment policies as set forth in subsections (2) through (4) of this section, resides with the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board. With the exception of investments by, and expenses of, the state investment board set forth in subsection (2) of this section, disbursements from this expense fund may be made only on the authorization of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board, and money in the expense fund may be spent only for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board as provided in section 5, chapter 2, Laws of 2003.
(6) The state investment board shall routinely consult and communicate with the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board on the investment policy, earnings of the trust, and related needs of the expense fund.
(7) The law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board shall administer the expense fund in a manner reasonably designed to be actuarially sound. The assets of the expense fund must be sufficient to defray the obligations of the account including the costs of administration. Money used for administrative expenses is subject to the allotment of all expenditures pursuant to chapter
43.88
RCW. However, an appropriation is not required for expenditures. Administrative expenses include, but are not limited to, the salaries and expenses of law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board personnel including lease payments, travel, and goods and services necessary for operation of the board, audits, and other general costs of conducting the business of the board.
(8) The state investment board shall allocate from the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund to the expense fund the amount necessary to cover the expenses of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board.
[
2003 c 92 s 6
.]
RCW 41.26.735
Asset management.
Assets of the plan shall be managed by the state investment board as provided by law.
[
2003 c 2 s 8
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
RCW 41.26.740
Reimbursement for expenses.
All expenses of the department and the office of the state actuary related to the implementation of chapter 2, Laws of 2003 shall be reimbursed from the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system expense fund under RCW 39.34.130
.
[
2003 c 92 s 7
.]
RCW 41.26.802
Local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account
—
Transfers.
(1) Prior to May 13, 2019, this section required certain transfers to be made to the local public safety enhancement account. After May 13, 2019, except for the transfer in subsection (2) of this section, no further transfers will be made to the local public safety enhancement account pursuant to this section.
(2) On July 1, 2019, the state treasurer shall transfer the sum of three hundred million dollars from the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement fund to the local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account.
(3) By July 31, 2022, the Washington state investment board shall transfer the difference between the value of the benefit enhancements in chapter 125, Laws of 2022 as identified by the office of the state actuary and the value of the local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account, from the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' system plan 2 retirement fund to the local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account.
(4) By August 31, 2022, the Washington state investment board shall transfer the total available balance of the local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account to the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' system plan 2 retirement fund. The amount transferred under this subsection goes toward the benefit enhancements in chapter 125, Laws of 2022.
[
2022 c 125 s 7
;
2019 c 366 s 2
;
2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 964
;
2015 3rd sp.s. c 4 s 950
;
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 969
;
2008 c 99 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
2019 c 366:
See notes following RCW 41.26.805
.
Effective date
—
2017 3rd sp.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 43.41.455
.
Effective dates
—
2015 3rd sp.s. c 4:
See note following RCW 28B.15.069
.
Effective dates
—
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4:
See note following RCW 2.68.020
.
Findings
—
Purpose
—
2008 c 99:
"The legislature finds that local governments need additional revenues to provide public safety resources in order to protect the citizens of Washington from fire and crime. The legislature finds that the current benefit formula and contributions for the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 are inadequate to modify that formula in recognition of the shorter working careers for firefighters and police officers. The legislature recognizes that although some officers and firefighters are able to work comfortably beyond twenty-five years, the combat nature of fire suppression and law enforcement generally require earlier retirement ages. In recognition of the physical demands of the professions and the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers and firefighters, eligibility for retirement in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 system has been set at age fifty-three. However, the benefit formula is designed for careers of thirty-five to forty years, making retirement at age fifty-three an unrealistic option for many.
Therefore, the legislature declares that it is the purpose of this act to provide local government public safety employers and the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 pension plan with additional shared revenues when general state revenues exceed by more than five percent the previous fiscal biennium's revenue." [
2008 c 99 s 1
.]
RCW 41.26.805
Local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account
—
Creation
—
Use
—
Administration
—
Investments.
(1) The local law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system benefits improvement account (benefits account) is created within the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund.
(2) The funds in the benefits account shall not be included by the actuary retained by the board in the calculation of the market value of assets of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund until the board directs the actuary retained by the board in writing to do so for purposes of financing benefits enacted by the legislature. The board shall, in consultation with the state investment board and within ninety days of the transfer of funds into the benefits account, provide the actuary retained by the board, in writing, the market value of the amount directed from the benefits account for inclusion in the calculation of the market value of assets of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 fund. The market value of the amount directed from the benefits account shall be an amount determined by the state actuary to sufficiently offset the unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities of benefit improvements financed from this account. The market value of the amount directed from the benefits account shall be determined as of the date of the direction from the board to include this amount for purposes of financing benefits enacted by the legislature.
(3) The law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board shall administer the fund in an actuarially sound manner.
(4) The state investment board has the full power to invest, reinvest, manage, contract, sell, or exchange investment money in the benefits account. The state investment board is authorized to adopt investment policies for the money in the benefits account. All investment and operating costs associated with the investment of money within the benefits account shall be paid pursuant to RCW 43.33A.160
and
43.84.160
. With the exception of these expenses, the earnings from the investment of the money shall be retained by the benefits account.
(5) All investments made by the state investment board shall be made with the exercise of that degree of judgment and care pursuant to RCW 43.33A.140
and the investment policy established by the state investment board.
(6) When appropriate for investment purposes, the state investment board may commingle money in the fund with other funds.
(7) The authority to establish all policies relating to the benefits account, other than the investment policies set forth in this section, resides with the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board. Other than investments by and expenses of the state investment board, disbursements from this fund may be made only on the authorization of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board for purposes of funding the member, employer, and state cost of financing benefits enacted by the legislature.
(8) The state investment board shall routinely consult with and communicate with the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 retirement board on the investment policy, earnings of the trust, and related needs of the benefits account.
(9) Funds in the benefits account cannot be used to finance future benefit improvements if the state actuary determines that the actuarial present value of fully projected benefits for current and future members for all benefits being financed from this account exceeds the actuarial present value of the revenue provided under RCW 41.26.802
and the accrued earnings of the benefits account. When making the determination under this subsection, the state actuary shall select assumptions and methods to reduce the risk that the actual revenue received is less than the assumed revenue.
[
2019 c 366 s 3
;
2008 c 99 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
2019 c 366:
"The legislature finds that the current benefit formula and contributions for the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 are inadequate to modify that formula to achieve pension adequacy for the shorter working careers of firefighters and police officers. The legislature recognizes that although some officers and firefighters are able to work comfortably beyond twenty-five years, the combat nature of fire suppression and law enforcement generally require earlier retirement ages. In recognition of the physical demands of the professions and the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers and firefighters, eligibility for retirement in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 system has been set at age fifty-three. However, the benefit formula is designed for careers of thirty-five to forty years, making retirement at age fifty-three an unrealistic option for many.
Therefore, the legislature declares that it is the purpose of this act to hasten the affordability of law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 benefit improvements, consistent with the intent associated with the creation of the benefits improvement fund, and designate reserves of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' plan 2 for the sole purpose of benefit improvements." [
2019 c 366 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2019 c 366:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 13, 2019]." [
2019 c 366 s 5
.]
Findings
—
Purpose
—
2008 c 99:
See note following RCW 41.26.802
.
RCW 41.26.904
Effective date
—
2003 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 790).
Except for section 11 of this act, the remainder of this act takes effect July 1, 2003.
[
2003 c 2 s 13
(Initiative Measure No. 790, approved November 5, 2002).]
RCW 41.26.906
Effective date
—
2003 c 92.
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 23, 2003].
[
2003 c 92 s 12
.]
RCW 41.26.921
Effective date
—
1977 ex.s. c 294.
This 1977 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect October 1, 1977.
[
1977 ex.s. c 294 s 27
.]
RCW 41.26.922
Construction
—
Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships
—
2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[
2009 c 521 s 93
.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2009 c 521 ss 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192:
See note following RCW 2.10.900
.