OLYMPIA... A bill to allow terminally ill state employees to remove themselves from their retirement plan passed the State Senate unanimously today. 

Senate Bill 5497, prime-sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, now goes to the House for consideration. 

Delvin sponsored the bill after hearing the story of Terry Flores, one of his constituents.  Flores, who has been diagnosed with a terminal case of breast cancer, wanted to be able to stop paying into her retirement fund while she keeps working.  Current state law doesn’t allow her to do so. 

“This legislation will help improve the quality of life of those state employees who are fighting a terminal illness,” Delvin said.  “I was honored to sponsor this bill after it was suggested to me by Terry Flores.” 

The bill requires a doctor’s diagnosis that the employee has five years or less to live.  With that diagnosis, and approval from the agency director, the employee is allowed to stop paying into the retirement system.  This would allow the employee to keep additional wages to help with assorted costs at home. 

A companion bill, House Bill 1634, passed the House with a unanimous vote. 

- 30 –

 For further information contact Scott Armstrong at (360) 786-7395 or armstrong.scott@leg.wa.gov