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 allows members who retire instead of returning to work to be eligible for service credit, provided they meet certain contribution requirements. The bill also establishes that contributions for service credit during unpaid leaves will be based on the member's salary at the time the leave was granted, adjusted for any cost-of-living increases during the leave period.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for members who leave employment to enter military service, allowing them to receive retirement system service credit for up to five years of military service. It includes provisions for surviving spouses and children of members who die while serving, enabling them to apply for service credit on behalf of the deceased member. The amendments aim to ensure that members retain their service credit rights during various types of leaves and provide clarity on the contribution requirements associated with these credits.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.26.520