E2SHB 2034, the bill that propose to skim money from the LEOFF 1 Pension Fund and use it for budgetary purposes, was passed by the Legislature on March 12, 2026 as it cleared both the Senate and the House.

The Governor signed the Bill on April 1, 2026 and so now it has become law. The financial aspects of the bill will become effective in 2029 (assuming it gets IRS approval and survives litigation).

There are two other amendments that are of significant importance — the Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP) is directed to complete the following studies: (1) an evaluation of options for the state to assume responsibility of pension board administration and of the associated financial liabilities, and (2) an evaluation of the appropriate entity to have governance over the Restated LEOFF system (i.e. whether the the LEOFF 2 Board will assume jurisdiction over the LEOFF 1 retirement system).

The RFFOW, along with the LEOFF 1 Coalition and the Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association, will initiate litigation to challenge the law very soon. This will involve challenging the law as part of the IRS approval process and certain constitutional and statutory arguments in court. The lawsuit is currently planned to be a class action lawsuit by the renown firm Hagens Berman. We will be seeking recovery of attorneys’ fees as part of that litigation.

Your contributions make a real difference—and they will be even more critical as we prepare for this phase of protecting the integrity of the LEOFF 1 Pension Fund. Every donation to the RFFOW supports our ability to secure top-tier legal representation. We have proven that together we can succeed—now we must remain vigilant. Please continue to stand with us by donating today.