The bill amends RCW 41.26.520 to clarify the conditions under which members of the retirement system can purchase service credit for authorized leaves of absence. It specifies that members on paid leaves of absence, including those serving as elected officials of labor organizations, will continue to receive service credit. Additionally, it introduces provisions allowing members to receive service credit for unpaid leaves of absence, with a maximum of two years of credit available throughout their career. Notably, if a member retires instead of returning to work, they remain eligible for this credit, and the contributions required for such credit will be based on their salary at the time the leave was granted, adjusted for any cost-of-living increases during the leave period.

The bill also outlines the eligibility criteria for members who leave employment to enter military service, ensuring they can receive retirement system service credit for up to five years of military service. It includes provisions for surviving spouses or children of members who die while serving in the military or during specific emergency responses, allowing them to apply for service credit on behalf of the deceased member. Overall, the amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for members regarding service credit during various types of leaves of absence.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.26.520