The bill amends RCW 41.05.080 to include provisions for waiving health benefit premiums for certain individuals upon their death. Specifically, when a retired or disabled state employee, separated employee, or surviving spouse/partner of emergency service personnel dies, the bill mandates that the authority waive the payment of the decedent's premiums and any applicable surcharges for the month of death. Additionally, it requires that eligible surviving dependents be enrolled in the same medical, dental, or vision plan as the deceased, effective from the first day of the month in which the death occurred. Surviving dependents will then be responsible for their own premiums and any applicable surcharges.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "retired state employees" to explicitly include members of the legislature, regardless of whether they left state office voluntarily or involuntarily. This amendment aims to ensure that the benefits and provisions outlined in the bill are applicable to a broader range of individuals who have served in public office.