Bill > HB1312

This bill addresses the payment of state retirement benefits when a retiree or beneficiary dies by changing the current practice of prorating benefits to the exact date of death. Currently, if a retiree dies before the end of a month, their estate may be required to repay benefits received after the precise date of death. The new legislation mandates that the Department of Retirement Systems continue paying full monthly benefits until the end of the month in which the death occurs, for retirees and beneficiaries covered under several specific retirement chapters (including chapters for public employees, law enforcement, firefighters, and others). Survivor benefits will then begin on the first day of the following month. The department will still require refunds for any benefits paid after the month of death, and the changes will only apply prospectively, meaning no retroactive refunds will be issued for repayments made before January 1, 2026. The bill is designed to provide more financial clarity and fairness for the estates of deceased retirees by ensuring they receive the full month's benefits regardless of the exact date of death.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1312&Year=2025&Initiative=false