Actuary and staff outline November briefings, LEF‑1 closeout and limited statewide data on excess compensation

Michael Harbor, actuary for the Office of the State Actuary, briefed the committee on upcoming interim items and analytical work. He said two informational briefings are scheduled for November (month‑of‑death policy and a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA briefing) and that actuarial fiscal notes from the last session are available; OSA will update those fiscal notes if the bills proceed during the legislative session.

On the demographic experience study, Harbor said the work is undergoing an external audit by Milliman and is not yet in final form; staff expect to cover it in more depth next interim when biennial contribution rates are reviewed.

Melinda Oslakson reviewed the interim work plan and options for handling December items, suggesting some background material (including 2026 session preparation) could be circulated by email if committee attendance is likely to be low. She noted the LEF‑1 study closeout is planned for November and that the polished final report would be circulated several days in advance; the committee may choose whether to provide a formal endorsement or submit the study without committee endorsement.

Jacob White, speaking from the LEOFF 2 board, said the board received an educational briefing on excess compensation and overtime. White told the committee that statewide overtime data are not centrally reported and that a rigorous analysis would require employer‑level data collection; based on limited DRS‑provided hours data and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy's 2012 study, LEOFF 2 concluded no further action this interim.

The committee debated whether to include an excess‑compensation briefing in November (with an asterisk if time permits) or to receive it by email; members generally agreed that nonactionable background material could be distributed electronically. The November agenda was later adopted by a roll call vote, 6‑0.