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Bill

HB 1510

Concerning participation in the public employees' retirement system judicial benefit multiplier program by commissioners of the supreme court and court of appeals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1510 extends enhanced judicial retirement benefits through PERS multiplier program to Washington Supreme Court and Court of Appeals justices, increasing long-term state pension obligations.

First reading, referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 1510

Legislative bill overview

HB 1510 would allow justices serving on Washington's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals to participate in the judicial benefit multiplier program of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). This program provides enhanced retirement benefits through a higher benefit multiplier compared to standard PERS plans. The bill appears to extend eligibility for these improved retirement terms to appellate judges who may not currently qualify.

Why is this important

Judicial retirement benefits directly affect whether the state can attract and retain qualified judges, which impacts access to justice and court system stability. Changes to judicial compensation packages can create significant long-term fiscal obligations for the state budget, as retirement liabilities accumulate over decades. This touches on both workforce competitiveness for the judiciary and state fiscal planning.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact: The enhanced benefit multiplier increases state pension liabilities; the fiscal note will be critical to understanding the long-term budgetary commitment
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether appellate judges should receive superior retirement benefits compared to other public employees or judges in lower courts
  • Precedent: May trigger similar requests from other judicial officers or public employee groups seeking comparable retirement enhancements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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