Bill > HB2482

This bill allows retired members of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System Plan 2 to serve as chiefs of police in small police departments without their retirement benefits being suspended. Previously, retirees generally could not receive their retirement allowance if they were employed in certain eligible positions, including as a law enforcement officer. This bill adds a new provision (subsection (4)) that provides an option for retirees who become employed as the chief of police in a town or city with fewer than 50,000 people; they can choose to either re-enter Plan 2 membership, which would likely suspend their current benefits and earn them new service credit, or they can remain a retiree, forgo any new service credit, and continue receiving their retirement benefits without interruption. This change aims to address potential staffing needs in smaller police departments by making it easier for experienced, retired law enforcement officers to fill leadership roles.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2482&Year=2025&Initiative=false