The bill amends RCW 41.40.023 to expand membership eligibility in the public employees' retirement system to include certain part-time bus drivers employed by public transportation benefit areas, specifically those who are also employed full-time by the federal government. The new legal language specifies that these part-time bus drivers can qualify for membership in the retirement system as long as they are making contributions to the federal employees' retirement system. This addition aims to provide retirement benefits to a specific group of employees who may not have been covered previously.

In addition to the new provision for part-time bus drivers, the bill also makes several amendments to existing language, including the removal of the term "reserve" from references to the relief and pension funds for volunteer firefighters and the addition of "cannabis" to the liquor control board's designation. These changes reflect a broader effort to modernize the language and inclusivity of the retirement system while ensuring that specific groups of employees, such as those working in federal capacities, are recognized within the state's retirement framework.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.40.023