Washington Administrative Code Title 491 - Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers, State Board for
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 491 – State Board for Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers
Overview:
WAC Title 491 establishes the rules and regulations administered by the State Board for Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers. This board manages pension, disability, and death benefits for eligible volunteer firefighters and law enforcement reserve officers in Washington State, as authorized under RCW 41.24.
It ensures that volunteers who serve their communities in fire protection or law enforcement roles without regular compensation have access to retirement and protection benefits similar to those of full-time personnel.
Core Functions of Title 491:
Pension System for Volunteers:
Establishes a retirement pension plan for qualified volunteers.
Outlines contributions (typically made by municipalities or fire districts) and payout calculations based on years of service.
Regulates vesting requirements, minimum service years, and age eligibility.
Disability Benefits:
Provides medical and disability coverage for injuries or illnesses incurred in the line of duty.
Covers both temporary and permanent disabilities.
Includes rules for medical examination, claim filing, and benefits review.
Death Benefits:
Provides death benefits to families or beneficiaries of volunteers killed in the line of duty.
Covers burial expenses and survivor pensions.
Eligibility and Enrollment:
Details qualification criteria for volunteers, including training and service standards.
Specifies required documentation and reporting from local departments and districts.
Allows enrollment of reserve law enforcement officers as well as firefighters.
Appeals and Hearings:
Establishes procedures for appealing benefit determinations or eligibility disputes before the board.
Key Chapters and Rules:
WAC 491-01 – General Provisions
Definitions, board organization, and rulemaking procedures.
WAC 491-02 – Public Records
Access to board records under the Public Records Act.
WAC 491-03 – Disability Benefits
Procedures for processing and reviewing disability claims.
WAC 491-04 – Pension and Membership Rules
Details eligibility, vesting, service credit, and pension payments.
WAC 491-05 – Hearings and Appeals
Rights and procedures for disputing board decisions.
Governing Statutes:
RCW 41.24 – Volunteer Firefighters' and Reserve Officers' Relief and Pensions Act
This statute provides the legal foundation for WAC 491.
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