Bill > HB1330

This bill consolidates the public employees' benefits board and the school employees' benefits board into a single Washington Employees and Retirees Benefits Board, which will be responsible for designing and approving insurance benefit plans for public employees and establishing eligibility criteria for participation. The bill makes numerous technical amendments to existing law to reflect this consolidation, including changing references from separate boards to the new unified board. Key provisions include establishing the composition of the new board, which will include representatives from state employees, retired employees, school employees, and experts in health benefits, and defining eligibility criteria for different types of employees (such as state employees, school employees, seasonal workers, and faculty). The bill also maintains existing provisions related to health care benefits, such as requirements for telemedicine coverage, substance use disorder treatment, and eligibility for retired or disabled employees. The new board will have broad authority to study and potentially offer voluntary benefits, design comprehensive health care plans, and establish premium contribution structures. The consolidation is set to take full effect by January 1, 2027, with provisions for maintaining existing terms and conditions until the new board establishes new guidelines.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1330&Year=2025&Initiative=false