E2SHB 2034, the bill that proposes 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).
All along the way we have been lobbying on your behalf and will continue to do so as we try to educate lawmakers on what is in our members’ best interests. We made a decision not to donate to candidates in 2026 so we will not be doing any of that, but our advocacy continues to look out for your best interests. We also look out for you and serve you in so many other ways.
The RFFOW, along with the LEOFF 1 Coalition and the Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association, have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington to challenge the law. This will involve challenging the law as part of the IRS approval process and certain constitutional and statutory arguments in court.
Despite who wins in court, it will ultimately be appealed to the Washington State Supreme Court. The class action lawsuit is being handled by the renown firm Hagens Berman. That lawsuit will be seeking recovery of attorneys’ fees as part of that class action litigation. On appeal the RFFOW will separately file friend of the court briefing (amicus briefs) in support of the appeals. That will lead to additional legal costs for the RFFOW.
Your contributions will go towards lobbying, legal and general fund purposes.
