Gov. Bob Ferguson yesterday signed his name on two bills introduced this year by 6th Legislative District Sen. Jeff Holy, including one that will help law-enforcement officers and firefighters.
Senate Bill 5306 permits members of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2) on authorized leaves of absence to purchase up to two years of service credit if the member retires, rather than returns to work.
“This new law makes a change to this retirement system that will help LEOFF 2 members who go on an authorized leave of absence – such as being on military duty – that could affect their service credits,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “It will help ensure they receive the retirement benefits they deserve.”
The Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed SB 5306 this session.
The second Holy bill signed yesterday is Senate Bill 5037. It creates the Uniform Custodial Trust Act, which enables someone to create a custodial trust, which can include directions for how someone’s property is to be dealt with when that person becomes incapacitated or dies.
“This bill helps make it possible for people of modest income to manage their assets through a trust instead of having to spend a large amount of money on an attorney,” explained Holy, who serves the 6th Legislative District. “This new law will especially help individuals who have lost mental capacity or are incapacitated and need someone to help manage their affairs. Other states have enacted this kind of law to help people of modest income to manage their assets. It’s good to see Washington now provide this option as well.”
Under the new law, the beneficiary of a custodial trust will have powers to direct a custodial trustee in managing trust assets and end the custodial trust. The bipartisan measure was requested by the state Uniform Law Commission.
SB 5037 was unanimously approved by both the Senate and House this year.
The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to end this Sunday.
CAPTION: Sen. Jeff Holy shakes hands with Gov. Bob Ferguson after the governor signs one of Holy’s bills yesterday.