This bill amends RCW 41.26.500 to allow retired members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 to serve as chiefs of police in small police departments, specifically in towns or cities with populations under 50,000. The new provisions enable these retirees to choose between reentering membership in plan 2 or remaining as retirees while continuing to receive their retirement benefits without interruption, although they would forgo earning additional service credit.

The bill also clarifies that retirees who take on eligible positions in other capacities will have their benefits suspended unless they opt to reenter the corresponding retirement system. The amendments include the addition of subsections (3) and (4), which outline the options available to retirees regarding their employment status and retirement benefits. This change aims to address staffing challenges in smaller police departments while providing flexibility for retired law enforcement officers.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 41.26.500