Source: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=41.24&full=true
Timestamp: 2019-12-13 21:01:10
Document Index: 732469430

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 27', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 4', '§ 9578', '§ 10', '§ 9578', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 9578', '§ 9', '§ 9578', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 9578', '§ 3', '§ 9578', '§ 8', '§ 12', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 8', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 9578', '§ 37', '§ 10', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 10', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 11', '§ 3', '§ 10', '§ 12', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 13', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 12', '§ 14', '§ 14', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 9578', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 14', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 74', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 16', '§ 9578', '§ 6', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 15', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 17', '§ 5', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 75', '§ 3', '§ 18', '§ 9578', '§ 2', '§ 7', '§ 11', '§ 16', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 19', '§ 9578', '§ 18', '§ 12', '§ 17', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 20', '§ 9578', '§ 19', '§ 18', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 21', '§ 9578', '§ 3', '§ 20', '§ 19', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 22', '§ 9578', '§ 5', '§ 9578', '§ 21', '§ 20', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 23', '§ 9578', '§ 7', '§ 9578', '§ 13', '§ 26', '§ 21', '§ 3', '§ 6', '§ 24', '§ 9578', '§ 1', '§ 23', '§ 22', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 38', '§ 3', '§ 70', '§ 87', '§ 8', '§ 4', '§ 24', '§ 5', '§ 26', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 7', '§ 27', '§ 24', '§ 88', '§ 10', '§ 8', '§ 28', '§ 25', '§ 29', '§ 2', '§ 30', '§ 3', '§ 7', '§ 31', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 8', '§ 32', '§ 1', '§ 33', '§ 2', '§ 92']

Chapter 41.24 RCW: VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESERVE OFFICERS' RELIEF AND PENSIONS
RCWs > Title 41 > Chapter 41.24
Chapter 41.24 RCW
41.24.010 Definitions.
41.24.020 Enrollment of firefighters—Death, disability, retirement benefits.
41.24.023 Retired participant may resume volunteer service—Board approval required.
41.24.030 Volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund created—Composition—Investment—Use—Treasurer's report.
41.24.035 Legal, medical expenses—May be paid from earnings of the principal fund and administrative fund.
41.24.040 Fees, when payable—Interest—Effect of nonpayment.
41.24.050 Emergency medical technicians or first aid vehicle operators—Restriction on retirement system membership.
41.24.060 Board of trustees—How constituted.
41.24.070 Officers of board—Record of proceedings—Forms.
41.24.080 Duties of board and state board—Disbursements.
41.24.090 Meetings.
41.24.100 Compelling attendance of witnesses—Oaths—Rules and regulations.
41.24.110 Reimbursement of physicians and medical staff.
41.24.120 Hearing of application for benefits—Appeal to state board.
41.24.130 Quorum—Vote on allowance of claims.
41.24.140 Guardian may be appointed.
41.24.150 Disability payments.
41.24.155 Vocational rehabilitation—Purpose—Costs—Administration—Discretion of state board.
41.24.160 Death benefits.
41.24.170 Retirement pensions.
41.24.1701 Purchasing retirement pension coverage—Criteria.
41.24.172 Retirement pensions—Options—Election.
41.24.175 Disability or retirement payments—Computation according to latest legislative expression.
41.24.176 Disability or retirement payments—Construction.
41.24.180 Lump sum payments.
41.24.185 Lump sum payments—Monthly pension under fifty dollars.
41.24.190 Proof of service.
41.24.200 Service need not be continuous nor in a single department or agency.
41.24.210 Report of accident—Time limitation for filing report and claim.
41.24.215 Injured volunteer—Recovery from third party.
41.24.220 Hospitalization, surgery, etc.
41.24.230 Funeral and burial expenses.
41.24.240 Benefits not transferable or subject to legal process—Exceptions—Chapter not exclusive.
41.24.245 Payments to spouse or ex spouse pursuant to court order.
41.24.250 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Composition—Terms—Vacancies—Oath.
41.24.260 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Meetings—Quorum.
41.24.270 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Compensation—Travel expenses.
41.24.280 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Attorney general is legal advisor.
41.24.290 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Powers and duties.
41.24.300 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Vouchers, warrants.
41.24.310 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Secretary, duties, compensation.
41.24.320 State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—State actuary to provide actuarial services.
41.24.330 Emergency medical service districts—Board of trustees—Creation.
41.24.340 Emergency medical service districts—Board of trustees—Officers—Annual report.
41.24.400 Reserve officers—Enrollment—Limitations.
41.24.410 Reserve officers—Credit for service.
41.24.430 Reserve officers—Eligibility for benefit.
41.24.450 Reserve officers—Municipality adoption of relief benefits.
41.24.460 Reserve officers—Board of trustees.
41.24.900 Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Prior acts relating to volunteer firefighters' relief and pensions: (1) 1935 c 121 (repealed by 1945 c 261 § 27).
(2) Benefits extended to volunteer firefighters of fire protection districts: 1943 c 137.
Fire protection districts: Title 52 RCW.
RCW 41.24.040
Fees, when payable—Interest—Effect of nonpayment.
On or before the first day of March of each year, every municipality shall pay such amount as shall be due from it to the principal fund, together with the amounts collected from the participants. A participant shall not forfeit his or her right to participate in the relief provisions of this chapter by reason of the municipal corporation failing to pay the amount due from it. A participant shall not forfeit his or her right to participate in the retirement pension provisions of this chapter until after March 1st of the year in which the municipality fails to make the required payments. Where a municipality has failed to pay or remit the annual fees required within the time provided, such delinquent payment shall bear interest at the rate of one percent per month from March 1st until paid or remitted. Where a participant has forfeited his or her right to participate in the retirement provisions of this chapter that participant may be reinstated so as to participate to the same extent as if all fees had been paid by the payment of all back fees with interest at the rate of one percent per month provided he or she has at all times been otherwise eligible.
[ 1999 c 148 § 5; 1995 c 11 § 5; 1989 c 91 § 10; 1945 c 261 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-18. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 10; RRS § 9578-10.]
RCW 41.24.050
Emergency medical technicians or first aid vehicle operators—Restriction on retirement system membership.
No person serving as an emergency medical technician or first aid vehicle operator under chapter 18.73 RCW shall be permitted to join the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system solely on the basis of such service. In no case shall the membership of any fire department coming under the provisions of this chapter be limited to less than fifteen firefighters.
[ 2002 c 11 § 1; 1989 c 91 § 11; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 67 § 1; 1945 c 261 § 5; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-19. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 9; RRS § 9578-9.]
RCW 41.24.060
Board of trustees—How constituted.
A firefighter board of trustees is created and established to administer this chapter in every municipal corporation maintaining a regularly organized fire department. A firefighter board of trustees shall consist of the mayor, city clerk or comptroller, and one councilmember of such municipality, the chief of the fire department, and one member of the fire department to be elected by the members of such fire department for a term of one year and annually thereafter. Where a municipality is governed by a board, the chair, one member of the board, and the secretary or clerk thereof shall serve as members of the firefighter board of trustees in lieu of the mayor, clerk or comptroller, and councilmember.
[ 1999 c 148 § 6; 1981 c 213 § 7; 1945 c 261 § 6; 1943 c 137 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-20. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.070
Officers of board—Record of proceedings—Forms.
The mayor or chair of the board or commission of any municipality with a fire department, or his or her designee, shall be chair of the firefighter board of trustees, and the clerk or comptroller or secretary of any such municipality, board, or commission, or his or her designee, shall be the secretary-treasurer of the board of trustees.
The secretary shall keep a public record of all proceedings and of all receipts and disbursements made by the board of trustees, shall make an annual report of its expenses and disbursements with a full list of the beneficiaries of the principal fund in the municipality, and shall make all required reports to the state board. The state board shall provide all necessary forms to firefighter boards of trustees.
[ 1999 c 148 § 7; 1969 c 118 § 1; 1945 c 261 § 7; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-21. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 3; RRS § 9578-3.]
RCW 41.24.080
Duties of board and state board—Disbursements.
The board of trustees of each municipal corporation shall provide for enrollment of all members of its fire department under the relief provisions of this chapter; provide for enrollment of all its reserve officers under the relief provisions of this chapter if it has extended these relief provisions to its reserve officers; receive all applications for the enrollment under the retirement pension provisions of this chapter when the municipality has extended these retirement pension provisions to its firefighters or reserve officers; provide for disbursements of relief; determine the eligibility of firefighters and reserve officers for retirement pensions; and pass on all claims and direct payment thereof from the principal fund to those entitled thereto. Vouchers shall be issued to the persons entitled thereto by the local board. It shall send to the state board, after each meeting, a voucher for each person entitled to payment from the principal fund, stating the amount of such payment and for what granted, which voucher shall be certified and signed by the chair and secretary of the local board. The state board, after review and approval, shall cause a warrant to be issued on the principal fund for the amount specified and approved on each voucher. However, in retirement pension cases after the applicant's eligibility for pension is verified, the state board shall authorize the regular issuance of monthly warrants or electronic transfers of funds in payment of the retirement pension without further action of the board of trustees of any such municipality.
[ 1999 c 148 § 8; 1989 c 91 § 12; 1969 c 118 § 2; 1955 c 263 § 9; 1945 c 261 § 8; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-22. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.090
A board of trustees shall meet on the call of its chair on a regular monthly meeting day when there is business to come before it. The chair shall be required to call a meeting on any regular meeting day at the request of any member of the fund or his or her beneficiary claiming any relief or retirement pension.
[ 1999 c 148 § 9; 1945 c 261 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-23.]
RCW 41.24.100
Compelling attendance of witnesses—Oaths—Rules and regulations.
The board of trustees herein, in addition to other powers herein granted, shall have power to compel the attendance of witnesses to testify before it on all matters connected with the operation of this chapter, and its chair or any member of said board may administer oaths to such witnesses; to make all necessary rules and regulations for its guidance in conformity with the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no compensation or emoluments shall be paid to any member of said board of trustees for any duties performed under this chapter as such trustees.
[ 2012 c 117 § 37; 1945 c 261 § 10; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-24. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.110
Reimbursement of physicians and medical staff.
The local board shall make provisions for reimbursing regularly licensed practicing physicians and other medical staff who examine participants making application for membership. Physicians and other medical staff shall perform such services and operations and render all medical aid and care necessary for the recovery and treatment of participants on account of injury, sickness, or disability received while in the performance of duties and shall be paid for these services from the principal fund, but not in excess of the schedule of fees for like services approved by the director of labor and industries under Title 51 RCW. A physician or other medical staff, who is not approved by the local board, shall not receive or be entitled to any compensation from the principal fund as the private or attending physician or other private or attending medical staff of any participant. A person shall not have any right of action against the local board for the negligence of any physician or other medical staff who is reimbursed from the principal fund. Any physician or other medical staff who is reimbursed from the principal fund for providing service or care for a participant shall report his or her findings in writing to the local board and the state board.
[ 1999 c 148 § 10; 1989 c 91 § 13; 1953 c 253 § 6; 1949 c 145 § 1; 1945 c 261 § 11; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9578-25. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.120
Hearing of application for benefits—Appeal to state board.
The local board shall initially hear and decide all applications for relief or retirement pensions under this chapter, subject to review by, or appeal by the proper person to, the state board where decision on such review or appeal shall be final and conclusive.
[ 1999 c 148 § 11; 1969 c 118 § 3; 1955 c 263 § 10; 1945 c 261 § 12; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-27. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.130
Quorum—Vote on allowance of claims.
A majority of the board of trustees shall constitute a quorum, and no business shall be transacted when a majority is not present, and no claim shall be allowed where a majority of the board has not voted favorably thereon.
[ 1945 c 261 § 13; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-27. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.140
Guardian may be appointed.
A local board may appoint a guardian whenever and wherever the claim of a participant or his or her beneficiary would, in the opinion of the local board, be best served by the appointment. The local board shall have full power to make and direct the payments under this chapter to any person entitled to the payments without the necessity of any guardianship or administration proceedings, when in its judgment, it shall determine it to be for the best interests of the beneficiary.
[ 1999 c 148 § 12; 1989 c 91 § 14; 1945 c 261 § 14; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-28. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 2; RRS § 9578-2.]
RCW 41.24.155
Vocational rehabilitation—Purpose—Costs—Administration—Discretion of state board.
(1) One of the primary purposes of this section is to enable injured participants to return to their regular occupation, business, or profession, or to engage in any occupation or perform any work for compensation or profit. To this end, the state board shall utilize the services of individuals and organizations, public or private, whose experience, training, and interests in vocational rehabilitation and retraining qualify them to lend expert assistance to the state board in such programs of vocational rehabilitation as may be reasonable to make the participant return to his or her regular occupation, business, or profession, or to engage in any occupation or perform any work for compensation or profit consistent with his or her physical and mental status. After evaluation and recommendation by such individuals or organizations and prior to final evaluation of the participant's permanent disability, if in the sole opinion of the state board, whether or not medical treatment has been concluded, vocational rehabilitation is both necessary and likely to enable the injured participant to return to his or her regular occupation, business, or profession, or to engage in any occupation or perform any work for compensation or profit, the state board may, in its sole discretion, pay the cost as provided in subsection (3) or (4) of this section.
(2) When, in the sole discretion of the state board, vocational rehabilitation is both necessary and likely to make the participant return to his or her regular occupation, business, or profession, or to engage in any occupation or perform any work for compensation or profit, then the following order of priorities shall be used:
(3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, costs for vocational rehabilitation benefits allowed by the state board under subsection (1) of this section may include the cost of books, tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, transportation, child or dependent care, and other necessary expenses in an amount not to exceed four thousand dollars. This amount must be used within fifty-two weeks of the determination that vocational rehabilitation is permitted under this section.
(b) The expenses allowed under (a) of this subsection may include training fees for on-the-job training and the cost of furnishing tools and other equipment necessary for self-employment or reemployment. However, compensation or payment of retraining with job placement expenses under (a) of this subsection may not be authorized for a period of more than fifty-two weeks, except that such period may, in the sole discretion of the state board, after its review, be extended for an additional fifty-two weeks or portion thereof by written order of the state board. However, under no circumstances shall the total amount of benefit paid under this section exceed four thousand dollars.
(4) In addition to the vocational rehabilitation expenditures provided for under subsection (3) of this section, an additional five thousand dollars may, upon authorization of the state board, be expended for: (a) Accommodations for an injured participant that are medically necessary for participation in an approved retraining plan; and (b) accommodations necessary to perform the essential functions of an occupation in which an injured participant is seeking employment, consistent with the retraining plan or the recommendations of a vocational evaluation. The injured participant's attending physician or licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner must verify the necessity of the modifications or accommodations. The total expenditures authorized in this subsection shall not exceed five thousand dollars.
(5) The state board shall follow the established criteria set forth by the department of labor and industries to monitor the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services provided by the individuals and organizations used under subsection (1) of this section. The state board shall make referrals for vocational rehabilitation services based on these performance criteria.
(6) The state board may engage, where feasible and cost-effective, in a cooperative program with the state employment security department to provide job placement services under this section.
(7) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the vocational benefits provided for in this section are available to participants who have claims currently pending as of April 17, 2007, or whose injury occurred on or after January 1, 2006.
[ 2007 c 57 § 1.]
Effective date—2007 c 57: "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 17, 2007]." [ 2007 c 57 § 2.]
(1)(a) Whenever a participant dies as the result of injuries received, or sickness contracted in consequence or as the result of the performance of his or her duties, the board of trustees shall order and direct the payment from the principal fund of (i) the sum of two hundred fourteen thousand dollars to his widow or her widower, or if there is no widow or widower, then to his or her dependent child or children, or if there is no dependent child or children, then to his or her dependent parents or either of them, or if there are no dependent parents or parent, then the death benefit shall be paid to the member's estate, and (ii)(A) the sum of one thousand two hundred seventy-five dollars per month to his widow or her widower, with (B) an additional amount of five hundred dollars per month paid to the legal guardian or surviving parent of each birth or legally adopted child, unemancipated or under eighteen years of age, and dependent upon the member for support at the time of his or her death.
(b) Beginning on July 1, 2001, and each July 1st thereafter, the compensation amounts specified in (a)(ii)(A) and (B) of this subsection shall be readjusted to reflect the percentage change in the consumer price index, calculated as follows: The index for the calendar year preceding the year in which the July calculation is made, to be known as "calendar year A," is divided by the index for the calendar year preceding calendar year A, and the resulting ratio is multiplied by the compensation amount in effect on June 30th immediately preceding the July 1st on which the respective calculation is made. For the purposes of this subsection, "index" means the same as the definition in RCW 2.12.037(1).
(2) In the case provided for in this section, the monthly payment provided may be converted in whole or in part into a lump sum payment, not in any case to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars, equal or proportionate, as the case may be, to the actuarial equivalent of the monthly payment in which event the monthly payments shall cease in whole or in part accordingly or proportionately. Such conversion may be made either upon written application to the state board and shall rest in the discretion of the state board; or the state board is authorized to make, and authority is given it to make, on its own motion, lump sum payments, equal or proportionate, as the case may be, to the value of the annuity then remaining in full satisfaction of claims due to dependents. Within the rule under this subsection the amount and value of the lump sum payment may be agreed upon between the applicant and the state board.
[ 2013 c 100 § 1; 2001 c 134 § 2. Prior: 1999 c 148 § 14; 1999 c 117 § 5; 1998 c 151 § 1; 1996 c 57 § 2; 1989 c 91 § 3; 1986 c 163 § 2; 1981 c 21 § 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 76 § 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 74; 1965 c 86 § 2; 1961 c 57 § 1; 1957 c 159 § 2; 1953 c 253 § 2; 1951 c 103 § 2; 1945 c 261 § 16; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-30; prior: 1935 c 121 § 6; RRS § 9578-6.]
Effective date—2001 c 134: See note following RCW 41.24.150.
Effective date—1998 c 151: "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 [March 25, 1998]." [ 1998 c 151 § 2.]
Effective date—1996 c 57: See note following RCW 41.24.150.
RCW 41.24.1701
Purchasing retirement pension coverage—Criteria.
(1) At any time prior to or upon retiring and prior to receiving any pension disbursements, a participant is allowed to:
(a) Purchase retirement pension coverage as provided in subsection (2) of this section for years of service credited prior to their enrollment in the pension system, and for which reinstatement of years of service is not available under RCW 41.24.040; or
(b) Purchase retirement pension coverage as provided in subsection (2) of this section for years of service that were lost due to the withdrawal of pension fees.
(2) The participant and/or the municipality must make payment for the purchase of retirement pension coverage by paying the actuarial value of the resulting benefit increase in a manner defined by the state board.
(3) Retirement pension coverage may only be purchased for the period in which service was performed as defined in RCW 41.24.010(9) and in a manner consistent with this section.
[ 2012 c 239 § 1.]
RCW 41.24.175
Disability or retirement payments—Computation according to latest legislative expression.
Payments to persons who are now receiving, or who may hereafter receive any disability or retirement payments under the provisions of chapter 41.24 RCW shall be computed in accordance with the last act enacted by the legislature relative thereto: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That nothing herein contained shall be construed as reducing the amount of any pension to which any firefighter shall have been eligible to receive under the provisions of section 1, chapter 103, Laws of 1951.
[ 1989 c 91 § 15; 1959 c 9 § 1.]
RCW 41.24.176
Disability or retirement payments—Construction.
The provisions of *this act are intended to be remedial and procedural and any benefits heretofore paid to recipients hereunder pursuant to any previous act are retroactively included and authorized as part of *this act.
[ 1959 c 9 § 2.]
*Reviser's note: "this act" appears in 1959 c 9, which is codified as RCW 41.24.175 and 41.24.176.
The board of trustees of any municipal corporation shall direct payment from the principal fund in the following cases:
(1) To any participant, upon his or her request, upon attaining the age of sixty-five years, who, for any reason, is not qualified to receive the monthly retirement pension provided under this chapter and who was enrolled in the retirement provisions and on whose behalf annual fees for retirement pension were paid, a lump sum amount equal to the amount paid into the fund by the participant.
(2) If any participant who has not completed at least ten years of service dies without having requested a lump sum payment under subsection (1) or (3) of this section, there shall be paid to the participant's surviving spouse, or if there be no surviving spouse, then to such participant's legal representatives, a lump sum amount equal to the amount paid into the fund by the participant. If any participant who has completed at least ten years of service dies other than as the result of injuries received or sickness contracted in consequence or as the result of the performance of his or her duties, without having requested a lump sum payment under subsection (1) or (3) of this section and before beginning to receive the monthly pension provided for in this chapter, the participant's surviving spouse shall elect to receive either:
(a) A monthly pension computed as provided for in RCW 41.24.170 actuarially adjusted to reflect option 2 of RCW 41.24.172 and further actuarially reduced to reflect the difference in the number of years between the participant's age at death and age sixty-five; or
(b) A lump sum amount equal to the amount paid into the principal fund by the participant and the municipality or municipalities in whose department he or she has served.
If there be no such surviving spouse, then there shall be paid to the participant's legal representatives a lump sum amount equal to the amount paid into the fund by the participant.
(3) If any participant retires from service before attaining the age of sixty-five years, the participant may make application for the return in a lump sum of the amount paid into the fund by himself or herself.
[ 1999 c 148 § 17; 1989 c 91 § 5; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 76 § 3; 1974 ex.s. c 26 § 1. Prior: 1973 1st ex.s. c 170 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 75; 1961 c 57 § 3; 1945 c 261 § 18; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-22.]
Conversion of death benefits to lump sum: RCW 41.24.160.
RCW 41.24.185
Lump sum payments—Monthly pension under fifty dollars.
Any monthly pension, payable under this chapter, which will not amount to fifty dollars may be converted into a lump sum payment equal to the actuarial equivalent of the monthly pension. The conversion may be made either upon written application to the state board and shall rest at the discretion of the state board; or the state board may make, on its own motion, lump sum payments, equal or proportionate, as the case may be, to the value of the annuity then remaining in full satisfaction of claims due. Any person receiving a monthly payment of less than twenty-five dollars at the time of September 1, 1979, may elect, within two years, to convert such payments into a lump sum payment as provided in this section.
[ 2003 c 62 § 2; 1989 c 91 § 7.]
Effective date—2003 c 62: See note following RCW 41.24.170.
RCW 41.24.190
The filing of reports of enrollment shall be prima facie evidence of the service of the participants therein listed for the year of such report as to service rendered subsequent to July 6, 1945. Proof of service of firefighters [participants] prior to that date shall be by documentary evidence, or such other evidence reduced to writing and sworn to under oath, as shall be submitted to the state board and certified by it as sufficient.
[ 1995 c 11 § 11; 1989 c 91 § 16; 1969 c 118 § 6; 1953 c 253 § 4; 1945 c 261 § 19; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-33.]
RCW 41.24.200
Service need not be continuous nor in a single department or agency.
The aggregate term of service of any participant need not be continuous nor need it be confined to a single fire department or law enforcement agency nor a single municipality in this state to entitle such participant to a retirement pension if the participant has been duly enrolled in a fire department or law enforcement agency of a municipality which has elected to extend the retirement pension provisions of this chapter to its firefighters or reserve officers at the time he or she becomes eligible for the retirement pension and has paid all fees prescribed. To be eligible to the full pension a participant must have an aggregate of twenty-five years service, have made twenty-five annual payments into the fund, and be sixty-five years of age at the time the participant commences drawing the pension provided for by this chapter, all of which twenty-five years service must have been in the fire department or law enforcement agency of a municipality or municipalities which have elected to extend the retirement pension provisions of this chapter to its firefighters or reserve officers. Nothing in this chapter shall require any participant having twenty-five years active service to continue as a firefighter or reserve officer and no participant who has completed twenty-five years of active service for which annual retirement pension fees have been paid and who continues as a firefighter or reserve officer shall be required to pay any additional annual pension fees.
[ 1999 c 148 § 18; 1995 c 11 § 12; 1989 c 91 § 17; 1973 1st ex.s. c 170 § 4; 1961 c 57 § 4; 1953 c 253 § 5; 1945 c 261 § 20; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-34.]
RCW 41.24.210
Report of accident—Time limitation for filing report and claim.
A participant shall not receive relief for disability, sickness, or injuries received in the performance of his or her duties, unless there is filed with the board of trustees a report of accident, which report shall be subscribed to by the claimant, the head of the department, and the authorized attending physician, if there is one. A claim for benefits arising from disability, sickness, or injuries incurred in consequence or as a result of the performance of duties shall not be allowed by the state board unless there has been filed with it a report of accident within ninety days after its occurrence and a claim based thereon within one year after the occurrence of the accident on which such claim is based. The state board may require such other or further evidence as it deems advisable before ordering any relief.
[ 1999 c 148 § 19; 1989 c 91 § 18; 1969 c 118 § 7; 1957 c 159 § 3; 1945 c 261 § 21; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-35.]
RCW 41.24.215
Injured volunteer—Recovery from third party.
(1) If an injured volunteer seeks damages from a third party, the state board may also seek recovery of actual costs from the responsible third party. A volunteer seeking damages from a third party is required to notify the state board about the legal proceeding.
(2) The state board is responsible for its proportionate share of the costs and attorneys' fees of the legal proceedings.
(3) Any recovery is subject to a lien by the state board for its share under this section.
(4) This section does not restrict or prohibit the state board's right to seek recovery from a third party when a volunteer firefighter is injured.
[ 2005 c 37 § 3.]
RCW 41.24.220
Hospitalization, surgery, etc.
Whenever any participant becomes injured, disabled, or sick in consequence or as the result of the performance of his or her duties by reason of which he or she is confined to any hospital or other medical facility, an amount not exceeding the daily ward rate of the hospital or regular fees for such service shall be allowed and paid from the principal fund. This allowance shall not be in lieu of but in addition to any other allowance provided in this chapter. In addition, the costs of surgery, medicine, laboratory fees, X-ray, special therapies, and similar additional costs shall be paid. When extended treatment, not available in the injured, disabled, or sick participant's home area, is required, the participant may be reimbursed for actual mileage to and from the place of extended treatment pursuant to RCW 43.03.060.
[ 1999 c 148 § 20; 1989 c 91 § 19; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 76 § 4; 1965 c 86 § 3; 1961 c 57 § 5; 1957 c 159 § 4; 1953 c 253 § 7; 1951 c 103 § 3; 1949 c 145 § 2; 1945 c 261 § 22; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9578-36. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 5; RRS § 9578-5.]
RCW 41.24.230
Upon the death of any participant resulting from injuries or sickness in consequence or as the result of the performance of his or her duties, the board of trustees shall authorize the issuance of a voucher for the sum of two thousand dollars, and upon the death of any participant who is receiving any disability payments provided for in this chapter, the board of trustees shall authorize the issuance of a voucher for the sum of five hundred dollars, to help defray the funeral expenses and burial of the participant, which voucher shall be paid in the manner provided for payment of other charges against the principal fund.
[ 1999 c 148 § 21; 1989 c 91 § 20; 1986 c 163 § 3; 1981 c 21 § 3; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 76 § 5; 1961 c 57 § 6; 1957 c 159 § 5; 1951 c 103 § 4; 1945 c 261 § 23; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-37. Prior: 1935 c 121 § 7; RRS § 9578-7.]
Benefits not transferable or subject to legal process—Exceptions—Chapter not exclusive.
The right of any person to any future payment under the provisions of this chapter shall not be transferable or assignable at law or in equity, and none of the moneys paid or payable or the rights existing under this chapter, shall be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process, or to the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law. This section shall not be applicable to any child support collection action taken under chapter 26.18, 26.23, or 74.20A RCW. Benefits under this chapter shall be payable to a spouse or ex-spouse to the extent expressly provided for in any court decree of dissolution or legal separation or in any court order or court-approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of dissolution or legal separation.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to deprive any participant, eligible to receive a pension hereunder, from receiving a pension under any other act to which that participant may become eligible by reason of services other than or in addition to his or her services under this chapter.
[ 1995 c 11 § 13. Prior: 1989 c 360 § 26; 1989 c 91 § 21; 1979 ex.s. c 205 § 3; 1957 c 159 § 6; 1945 c 261 § 24; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-38.]
RCW 41.24.250
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Composition—Terms—Vacancies—Oath.
The state board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers is created to consist of five members who are participants under this chapter, at least three of whom are not receiving relief or retirement pension payments under this chapter, no two of whom shall be from the same congressional district. The members are appointed by the governor to serve overlapping terms of six years. Of members first appointed, one shall be appointed for a term of six years, one for five years, one for four years, one for three years, and one for two years. The governor may consider participants who are recommended for appointment by the appropriate state associations. Upon the expiration of a term, a successor shall be appointed by the governor for a term of six years. Any vacancy shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term. Each member of the state board, before entering on the performance of his or her duties, shall take an oath that he or she will not knowingly violate or willingly permit the violation of any provision of law applicable to this chapter, which oath shall be filed with the secretary of state.
The state board is not unlawfully constituted and a member of the board is not ineligible to serve the remainder of the member's unexpired term on the board solely by reason of the establishment of new or revised boundaries for congressional districts.
[ 2007 c 56 § 1; 1999 c 148 § 23; 1989 c 91 § 22; 1982 1st ex.s. c 30 § 11; 1955 c 263 § 2.]
RCW 41.24.260
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Meetings—Quorum.
The state board shall hold regular semiannual meetings in April and October of each year, and special meetings not more than once monthly at such times and places as may be called by the chair or by two of its members. No action shall be taken by the state board without the approval of two members.
[ 2012 c 117 § 38; 1955 c 263 § 3.]
RCW 41.24.270
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Compensation—Travel expenses.
Each member of the state board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240. Each member shall also receive travel expenses, including going to and from meetings of the state board or other authorized business of the state board, in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 1984 c 287 § 70; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 87; 1969 c 118 § 8; 1955 c 263 § 4.]
RCW 41.24.280
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Attorney general is legal advisor.
The attorney general shall be the legal advisor for the state board.
[ 1999 c 148 § 24; 1955 c 263 § 5.]
RCW 41.24.300
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Vouchers, warrants.
All expenses incurred by the state board shall be accomplished by vouchers signed by the secretary and one member of the state board and issued to the persons entitled thereto and sent to the proper state agency. The proper state agency shall issue a warrant on the principal fund or administrative fund for the amount specified.
[ 1999 c 148 § 26; 1979 ex.s. c 157 § 2; 1969 c 118 § 9; 1955 c 263 § 7.]
RCW 41.24.310
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—Secretary, duties, compensation.
The secretary shall maintain an office at Olympia at a place to be provided, wherein the secretary shall:
(1) Keep a record of all proceedings of the state board, which shall be public;
(2) Maintain a record of all members of the pension fund, including such pertinent information relative thereto as may be required by law or rule of the state board;
(3) Receive and promptly remit to the state treasurer all moneys received for the principal fund;
(4) Transmit periodically to the proper state agency for payment all claims payable from the principal fund, stating the amount and purpose of such payment;
(5) Certify monthly for payment a list of all persons approved for retirement pensions and the amount to which each is entitled; and
(6) Perform such other and further duties as shall be prescribed by the state board.
The secretary shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed by the state board, together with travel expenses in carrying out his or her duties authorized by the state board in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 1999 c 148 § 27; 1989 c 91 § 24; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 88; 1969 c 118 § 10; 1955 c 263 § 8.]
RCW 41.24.320
State board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers—State actuary to provide actuarial services.
The state actuary shall provide actuarial services for the state board.
[ 1999 c 148 § 28; 1989 c 91 § 25.]
RCW 41.24.330
Emergency medical service districts—Board of trustees—Creation.
An emergency medical service district board of trustees is created to administer this chapter in every county maintaining a regularly organized emergency medical service district. The emergency medical service district board shall consist of two of the members of the county legislative authority or their designees, the county auditor or the auditor's designee, the head of the emergency medical service district, and one emergency worker from the emergency medical service district to be elected by the emergency workers of the emergency medical service district for a term of one year and annually thereafter.
The emergency medical service district shall make provisions for the collection and payment of the fees provided under this chapter and shall continue to make such provisions for all emergency workers who come under this chapter as long as they shall continue to be members of the fire department.
[ 1999 c 148 § 29; 1993 c 331 § 2.]
RCW 41.24.340
Emergency medical service districts—Board of trustees—Officers—Annual report.
The chair of the county legislative authority, or the chair's designee, shall be chair of the emergency medical service district board of trustees, and the county auditor, or the auditor's designee, shall be the secretary-treasurer of the emergency medical service district board of trustees.
The secretary shall keep a public record of all proceedings and of all receipts and disbursements made by the emergency medical service district board of trustees, shall make an annual report of its expenses and disbursements with a full list of the beneficiaries of the principal fund in the county, and shall make all required reports to the state board. The state board shall provide all necessary forms to emergency worker boards of trustees.
[ 1999 c 148 § 30; 1993 c 331 § 3.]
RCW 41.24.400
Reserve officers—Enrollment—Limitations.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any municipality may make provision by appropriate legislation and payment of fees required by RCW 41.24.030(1) solely for the purpose of enabling any reserve officer to enroll under the retirement pension provisions of this chapter or fees required under RCW 41.24.030(1) to pay for the costs of extending the relief provisions of this chapter to its reserve officers.
(2) A reserve officer is not eligible to receive a benefit under the retirement provisions of this chapter for service under chapter 41.26, 41.32, 41.35, 41.37, or 41.40 RCW.
(3) Every municipality shall make provisions for the collection and payment of the fees required under this chapter, and shall continue to make provisions for all reserve officers who come under this chapter as long as they continue to be employed as reserve officers.
(4) Except as provided under RCW 41.24.450, a reserve officer is not eligible to receive a benefit under the relief provisions of this chapter.
[ 2007 c 492 § 7; 1999 c 148 § 31; 1998 c 307 § 4; 1995 c 11 § 2.]
RCW 41.24.430
Reserve officers—Eligibility for benefit.
A reserve officer shall not receive a retirement benefit under this chapter unless he or she completes at least three years of service after July 23, 1995.
[ 1995 c 11 § 8.]
RCW 41.24.450
Reserve officers—Municipality adoption of relief benefits.
A municipality employing reserve officers may adopt appropriate legislation extending the relief provisions of this chapter to its reserve officers. The relief provisions of this chapter may not be extended to reserve officers if the municipality has extended industrial insurance coverage to its reserve officers under RCW 51.12.140 or 51.12.035(2), or any other provision of law. A municipality that adopts appropriate legislation extending the relief provisions of this chapter to its reserve officers shall enjoy the same extent of immunity from civil actions for personal injuries to its reserve officers that arises if the reserve officers were covered under Title 51 RCW.
[ 1999 c 148 § 32; 1998 c 307 § 1.]
RCW 41.24.460
Reserve officers—Board of trustees.
A municipality that adopts appropriate legislation extending the relief provisions of this chapter to its reserve officers shall create a reserve officer board of trustees to administer this chapter composed as follows:
(1) A county reserve officer board of trustees shall consist of the following five members: (a) Two members of the county legislative authority and the county auditor, or their designees; (b) the sheriff; and (c) one reserve officer who is elected by reserve officers of the county for an annual one-year term.
(2) Any other reserve officer board of trustees shall consist of the following five members: (a) The mayor, if one exists for the municipality, and one member of the municipality's legislative authority, or two members of the municipality's legislative authority if a mayor does not exist for the municipality, or their designees; (b) the clerk, comptroller, or chief fiscal officer of the municipality; (c) the head of the law enforcement agency; and (d) one reserve officer who is elected by reserve officers of the municipality for an annual term of one year.
(3) The secretary of the board of trustees shall keep a public record of all proceedings and of all receipts and disbursements made by the board of trustees, shall make an annual report of its expenses and disbursements with a full list of the beneficiaries of the principal fund in the municipality, and shall make all required reports to the state board. The state board shall provide the boards of trustees with all necessary forms.
[ 1999 c 148 § 33; 1998 c 307 § 2.]
RCW 41.24.900
[ 2009 c 521 § 92.]