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Bill

HB 1988

Permitting individuals retired from the public employees' retirement system, the teachers' retirement system, and the school employees' retirement system additional opportunities to work for up to 1,040 hours per year while in receipt of pension benefits.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Callan and 4 co-sponsors

Bill permits public pension retirees to work 1,040 annual hours without losing benefits, expanding workforce flexibility while potentially increasing pension system costs.

First reading, referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 1988

Legislative bill overview

HB 1988 allows retirees from Washington's three major public pension systems (PERS, TRS, and SERS) to work up to 1,040 hours annually while continuing to receive their full pension benefits. Currently, strict earnings limits may reduce or eliminate pension payments for working retirees. This bill essentially removes or significantly loosens those work restrictions.

Why is this important

This addresses workforce shortages in education and public services by allowing experienced retired professionals to re-enter the workforce without financial penalties. For retirees, it provides supplemental income opportunities during retirement. However, it potentially increases pension system liabilities and may affect the intended actuarial balance of these retirement funds.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on pension funds: Allowing retirees to work more hours while drawing full benefits could increase long-term costs to already-stressed public pension systems without corresponding contribution increases
  • Fairness and equity concerns: Current active workers may view this as preferential treatment for retirees, or concern that it diverts limited public sector jobs from newer workers seeking permanent positions
  • Actuarial assumptions: The bill may undermine the original pension calculations based on assumed work-free retirements, potentially creating unfunded liabilities passed to taxpayers

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

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