reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.20 - Police Relief and Pensions in First-Class Cities. › 41.20.170 - Transfer of membership.

RCW 41.20.170
Transfer of membership.
Any former employee of a department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the employees' retirement system of such city, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, may transfer his or her membership from the city employees' retirement system to the city's police relief and pension fund system by filing a written request with the board of administration and the board of trustees, respectively, of the two systems.
Upon the receipt of such request, the transfer of membership to the city's police relief and pension fund system shall be made, together with a transfer of all accumulated contributions credited to such member. The board of administration of the city's employees' retirement system shall transmit to the board of trustees of the city's police relief and pension fund system a record of service credited to such member which shall be computed and credited to such member as a part of his or her period of employment in the city's police relief and pension fund system. For the purpose of the transfer contemplated by this section, the affected individuals shall be allowed to restore withdrawn contributions to the city employees' retirement system and reinstate their membership service records.
Any employee so transferring shall have all the rights, benefits and privileges that he or she would have been entitled to had he or she been a member of the city's police relief and pension fund system from the beginning of his or her employment with the city.
No person so transferring shall thereafter be entitled to any other public pension, except that provided by chapter 41.26 RCW or social security, which is based upon service with the city.
The right of any employee to file a written request for transfer of membership as set forth herein shall expire December 31, 1973.
[ 2012 c 117 § 35; 1973 c 143 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 209 § 27; 1963 c 82 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.20 - Police Relief and Pensions in First-Class Cities. › 41.20.175 - Transfer of service credit from firefighters' pension system to city's police pension system.

RCW 41.20.175
Transfer of service credit from firefighters' pension system to city's police pension system.
A former employee of a fire department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the firefighters' pension system created by chapters 41.16 or 41.18 RCW, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, will be regarded as having received membership service credit for such service to the fire department in the city's police and relief pension system at the time he or she recovers such service credit by paying withdrawn contributions to the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system pursuant to *RCW 41.26.030(28).
[ 2012 c 117 § 36; 1974 ex.s. c 148 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 41.26.030 was amended by 2018 c 230 § 1, changing subsection (28) to subsection (29).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.20 - Police Relief and Pensions in First-Class Cities. › 41.20.180 - Exemption from taxation and judicial process—Exception—Assignability.

RCW 41.20.180
Exemption from taxation and judicial process—Exception—Assignability.
The right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, or disability allowance, or death benefits, or any optional benefit, or any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and any fund created hereby, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable: PROVIDED, That 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.
[ 2012 c 159 § 19; 1979 ex.s. c 205 § 2; 1965 c 33 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.20 - Police Relief and Pensions in First-Class Cities. › 41.20.900 - Construction—1959 c 6—Benefits retroactively authorized.

RCW 41.20.900
Construction—1959 c 6—Benefits retroactively authorized.
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 a part of *this act.
[ 1959 c 6 § 4.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this act" appears in chapter 6, Laws of 1959, which reenacted RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060, and 41.20.080. These sections were subsequently amended by chapter 78, Laws of 1959.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.20 - Police Relief and Pensions in First-Class Cities. › 41.20.920 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 41.20.920
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 § 91.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2009 c 521 §§ 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192: See note following RCW 2.10.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.22 - Law Enforcement Chaplains. › 41.22.010 - Legislative findings.

RCW 41.22.010
Legislative findings.
The career of a police officer is highly stressful, resulting in unacceptable rates of divorce, alcoholism, low morale and suicide. The nature of law enforcement work requires that much information be kept confidential, unfairly burdening the emotional capacity of law enforcement personnel. Police officers may become the hidden victims of society because of their daily work with crisis.
The legislature finds that law enforcement chaplains can provide emotional support for law enforcement personnel, including counseling, stress management, and family life counseling. The legislature also finds that law enforcement chaplains can serve as a crisis intervention resource for personnel of police, fire, and corrections departments, and medical examiners or coroners.
[ 1985 c 223 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.22 - Law Enforcement Chaplains. › 41.22.020 - Washington state patrol and the department of fish and wildlife—Volunteer chaplain authorized.

RCW 41.22.020
Washington state patrol and the department of fish and wildlife—Volunteer chaplain authorized.
The Washington state patrol and the department of fish and wildlife may utilize the services of a volunteer chaplain.
[ 2009 c 204 § 2; 1985 c 223 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.22 - Law Enforcement Chaplains. › 41.22.030 - Local law enforcement agencies—Volunteer chaplains authorized.

RCW 41.22.030
Local law enforcement agencies—Volunteer chaplains authorized.
The legislature authorizes local law enforcement agencies to use the services of volunteer chaplains associated with an agency.
[ 1985 c 223 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.22 - Law Enforcement Chaplains. › 41.22.040 - Volunteer chaplains—Duties.

RCW 41.22.040
Volunteer chaplains—Duties.
The duties of a volunteer law enforcement chaplain include counseling, training, and crises intervention for law enforcement personnel, their families and the general public.
[ 1985 c 223 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.020 - Enrollment of firefighters—Death, disability, retirement benefits.

RCW 41.24.020
Enrollment of firefighters—Death, disability, retirement benefits.
(1) Every municipal corporation maintaining and operating a regularly organized fire department shall make provision by appropriate legislation for the enrollment of every firefighter under the relief provisions of this chapter for the purpose of providing protection for all its firefighters and their families from death, sickness, injury, or disability arising in the performance of their duties as firefighters. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any municipality from providing such additional protection for relief as it may deem proper.
(2) Any municipal corporation maintaining and operating a regularly organized fire department may make provision by appropriate legislation allowing any member of its fire department to enroll under the retirement pension provisions of this chapter.
(3) Every municipal corporation shall make provisions for the collection and payment of the fees provided under this chapter, and shall continue to make such provisions for all firefighters who come under this chapter as long as they shall continue to be members of its fire department.
[ 1999 c 148 § 2; 1989 c 91 § 9; 1945 c 261 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 9578-16.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.023 - Retired participant may resume volunteer service—Board approval required.

RCW 41.24.023
Retired participant may resume volunteer service—Board approval required.
(1) A local municipality may, at its discretion, permit a retired participant to make application to the local board to resume volunteer service as a firefighter, under the following conditions:
(a) A retired participant who chooses to resume volunteer service is not eligible for disability payments pursuant to RCW 41.24.150 in the event that the retired participant becomes disabled as the result of the performance of his or her duties.
(b) Prior to permitting a retired participant to resume volunteer service, a local board shall require that a retired participant submit to annual examinations by a physician or other medical staff. A retired participant may resume volunteer service only if the examining physician or other medical staff certifies each year that the retired participant meets appropriate medical and health standards. Physicians and medical staff that examine retired participants shall be reimbursed by the local municipality, and report to the local and state boards, consistent with RCW 41.24.110.
(c) A local municipality that elects to permit retired participants to resume volunteer service shall be required to pay an additional annual charge based on the increased cost of medical and relief benefits for retired participants. The amount of the additional annual charge shall be set by the state board, in consultation with the state actuary.
(2) No period of volunteer service performed by a retired participant may be used in calculating a retirement pension under RCW 41.24.170.
(3) The legislature reserves the right to amend or repeal this section in the future and no participant, retired participant, or beneficiary has a contractual right to resume volunteer service while in receipt of a retirement pension.
[ 2010 c 60 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.035 - Legal, medical expenses—May be paid from earnings of the principal funds and administrative fund.

RCW 41.24.035
Legal, medical expenses—May be paid from earnings of the principal funds and administrative fund.
(1) The state board is authorized to pay from the earnings of the principal funds and administrative fund lawful obligations of the system for legal expenses and medical expenses which expenses are primarily incurred for the purpose of protecting the principal funds or are incurred in compliance with statutes governing such funds.
(2)(a) The term "legal expense" includes, but is not limited to, legal services provided through the legal services revolving fund, fees for expert witnesses, travel expenses, fees for court reporters, cost of transcript preparation, and reproduction of documents.
(b) The term "medical costs" includes, but is not limited to, expenses for the medical examination or reexamination of members or retirees, the costs of preparation of medical reports, and fees charged by medical professionals for attendance at discovery proceedings or hearings.
[ 2023 c 73 § 8; 1999 c 148 § 4; 1989 c 194 § 2.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 73: See note following RCW 41.24.800.
Effective date—1989 c 194 §§ 1, 2, and 3: See note following RCW 41.24.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.040 - Fees, when payable—Interest—Effect of nonpayment.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.050 - Emergency medical technicians or first aid vehicle operators—Restriction on retirement system membership.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.060 - Board of trustees—How constituted.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.070 - Officers of board—Record of proceedings—Forms.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.080 - Duties of board and state board—Disbursements.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.090 - Meetings.

RCW 41.24.090
Meetings.
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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.100 - Compelling attendance of witnesses—Oaths—Rules and regulations.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.110 - Reimbursement of physicians and medical staff.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.120 - Hearing of application for benefits—Appeal to state board.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.130 - Quorum—Vote on allowance of claims.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.140 - Guardian may be appointed.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.1701 - Purchasing retirement pension coverage—Criteria.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.172 - Retirement pensions—Options—Election.

RCW 41.24.172
Retirement pensions—Options—Election.
Before beginning to receive the retirement pension provided for in RCW 41.24.170, the participant shall elect, in a writing filed with the state board, to have the retirement pension paid under either option 1 or 2, with option 2 calculated so as to be actuarially equivalent to option 1.
(1) Option 1. A participant electing this option shall receive a monthly pension payable throughout the participant's life. However, if the participant dies before the total retirement pension paid to the participant equals the amount paid on behalf of the participant into the principal fund, then the balance shall be paid to the participant's surviving spouse, or if there be no surviving spouse, then to the participant's legal representatives.
(2) Option 2. A participant electing this option shall receive a reduced monthly pension, which upon the participant's death shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to the participant's surviving spouse named in the written election filed with the state board, however, in the event that the surviving spouse dies before the participant, the participant's monthly retirement allowance shall increase, effective the first day of the following month, to the monthly amount that would have been received had the participant elected option 1.
[ 1999 c 148 § 16; 1999 c 117 § 6; 1995 c 11 § 9; 1989 c 91 § 6.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1999 c 117 § 6 and by 1999 c 148 § 16, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.175 - Disability or retirement payments—Computation according to latest legislative expression.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.176 - Disability or retirement payments—Construction.

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.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this act" appears in 1959 c 9, which is codified as RCW 41.24.175 and 41.24.176.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.180 - Lump sum payments.

RCW 41.24.180
Lump sum payments.
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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
Effective date—1973 1st ex.s. c 170: See note following RCW 41.24.030.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Conversion of death benefits to lump sum: RCW 41.24.160.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.185 - Lump sum payments—Monthly pension under fifty dollars.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 62: See note following RCW 41.24.170.
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.190 - Proof of service.

RCW 41.24.190
Proof of service.
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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.200 - Service need not be continuous nor in a single department or agency.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
Effective date—1973 1st ex.s. c 170: See note following RCW 41.24.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.210 - Report of accident—Time limitation for filing report and claim.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.215 - Injured volunteer—Recovery from third party.

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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.220 - Hospitalization, surgery, etc.

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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.230 - Funeral and burial expenses.

RCW 41.24.230
Funeral and burial expenses.
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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 21: See notes following RCW 41.24.150.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.240 - Benefits not transferable or subject to legal process—Exceptions—Chapter not exclusive.

RCW 41.24.240
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.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 41 - Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions › Chapter 41.24 - Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions. › 41.24.245 - Payments to spouse or ex spouse pursuant to court order.

RCW 41.24.245
Payments to spouse or ex spouse pursuant to court order.
(1) If the state board or the secretary makes payments 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 a court decree of dissolution or legal separation, it shall be a sufficient answer to any claim of a beneficiary against the state board, the secretary, or the principal fund for the state board or secretary to show that the payments were made pursuant to a court decree.
(2) All payments made to a nonmember spouse or ex spouse pursuant to RCW 41.24.240 shall cease upon the death of such a nonmember spouse or ex spouse. Upon such a death, the state board and the secretary shall pay to the member his or her full monthly entitlement of benefits.
(3) The provisions of RCW 41.24.240 and this section shall apply to all court decrees of dissolution or legal separation and court-approved property settlement agreements, regardless of when entered, but shall apply only to those persons who have actually retired or who have requested withdrawal of any or all of their contributions to the principal fund: PROVIDED, That the state board or secretary shall not be responsible for making court-ordered divisions of withdrawals unless the order is filed with the state board at least thirty days before the withdrawal payment date.
[ 1999 c 148 § 22; 1987 c 326 § 19.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1987 c 326: See RCW 41.50.901.
Mandatory assignment of retirement benefits to spouse or ex spouse: RCW 41.50.500 through 41.50.660.