Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1804

Introduced
2/9/23  
Refer
2/9/23  
Report Pass
2/23/23  
Refer
2/25/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  
Refer
3/10/23  
Report Pass
3/16/23  
Enrolled
4/19/23  
Chaptered
5/4/23  

Caption

Concerning eligibility for participation in the public employees' benefits board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1804 are expected to have a positive impact on state laws surrounding public employee benefits. By making eligibility clearer and more accessible, the bill would likely increase the number of retired or disabled employees who can successfully enroll in benefit programs. This reform aims to reinforce the state's commitment to supporting its public employees, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the community and the need to care for them post-service.

Summary

House Bill 1804 addresses the eligibility criteria for participation in the public employees' benefits board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions. The bill seeks to clarify and potentially expand access to benefits for these individuals, highlighting the importance of providing adequate support for public sector employees who have retired or become disabled. By streamlining the eligibility process, HB1804 attempts to ensure that deserving individuals receive the necessary support and benefits.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB1804 is favorable, particularly among those advocating for public employees and their rights. Supporters of the bill, including various employee unions and advocacy groups, view it as a necessary step towards ensuring fair treatment for public servants. The lack of opposition during the voting process suggests a general consensus on the need for improvements in the benefits system for retired and disabled employees.

Contention

While HB1804 enjoys support, there are potential concerns regarding its funding and implementation. Questions may arise about how expanded eligibility will be financed and whether the increased demand for benefits could strain existing resources. Additionally, some may argue that the bill does not address systemic issues within the public employee benefits system that need attention. These points of contention, however, have not significantly hindered the bill's progress thus far, as it passed with a unanimous vote in the House.

Companion Bills

WA SB5696

Crossfiled Concerning eligibility for participation in the public employees' benefits board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5696

Concerning eligibility for participation in the public employees' benefits board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions.

WA HB1246

Concerning eligibility for health benefits from the school employees' benefits board for school employees.

WA SB5478

Concerning benefits authorized to be offered by the public employees' benefits board.

WA HB1270

Concerning automatic deferred compensation enrollment for county, municipal, and other political subdivision employees.

WA SB5086

Consolidating the public employees' benefits board and the school employees' benefits board.

WA HB1330

Consolidating the public employees' benefits board and the school employees' benefits board.

WA HB2188

Changing the health insurance subsidy rate for retired state employees and retired or disabled school employees.

WA SB6139

Changing the health insurance subsidy rate for retired state employees and retired or disabled school employees.

WA SB5738

Revised for 1st Substitute: Permitting individuals retired from the public employees' retirement system, the teachers' retirement system, the school employees' retirement system, and the public safety employees' retirement system additional opportunities to work for up to 1,040 hours per year while in receipt of pension benefits.

WA HB1354

Concerning coverage of legislative session employees in the insurance programs offered by the public employees' benefits board.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.