Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pensions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board begins study of enrolling DNR wildland firefighters in LEOFF Plan 2
Summary
The board opened a legislatively required study on whether certain Department of Natural Resources wildland and aviation firefighters should be enrolled in LEOFF Plan 2; staff will work with DNR, DRS and OSA, pursue a data-share agreement and deliver a final report by Jan. 1, 2027.
Staff member Dave Dunlap told the board the legislature directed the board to study whether certain wildland and aviation firefighters employed by the Department of Natural Resources should be enrolled in LEOFF Plan 2. “The legislature tasked the LEFT-two board with studying the enrollment of wildland and aviation firefighters employed by the Department of Natural Resources and LEOFF plan 2,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap described the study scope: identify which positions would be included, compare the positions to existing LEOFF Plan 2 member definitions, estimate fiscal impacts to LEOFF Plan 2 and to PERS if those employees were moved out of PERS, and recommend approaches for allocating employer and state contribution rates if enrollment changed. He said the final report is due January 1, 2027, and that staff will partner with DNR, DRS and the Office of the State Actuary (OSA).
George Geisler, Washington State Forester and DNR deputy supervisor, addressed the board by phone and described the operational realities and health risks DNR firefighters face, including long shifts, extended deployments and exposure to smoke and combustion contaminants. Geisler said DNR supports the study and will provide information and stakeholder access to ensure accurate analysis.
Board members asked staff for approximate counts and qualification criteria. Staff noted actuaries had used an estimate of about 160 members but said a DNR-provided list later indicated a larger pool; staff emphasized they need a data-share agreement to get definitive counts and position descriptions. Members also raised concerns about how full-time status, seasonal work, national certifications and duty/disability provisions could affect eligibility and costs. Staff said they would pursue the necessary data and stakeholder input from DNR management and represented unions.
The board did not make a recommendation at the meeting. Staff said they will present interim findings and any OFM or stakeholder feedback at future meetings as the study progresses.
