Washington HB2179: Port workers PERS membership

What the bill says

An act Relating to membership in the public employees' retirement system for port workers who participate in a federal railroad retirement plan, a union-sponsored defined benefit retirement plan, or another employer-funded private pension plan; amending RCW 41.40.023; creating a new section; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to membership in the public employees' retirement system for port workers who participate in a federal railroad retirement plan, a union-sponsored defined benefit retirement plan, or another employer-funded private pension plan; amending RCW 41.40.023; creating a new section; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that, when a port district employer joined the public employees' retirement system in September 2023, certain employees of the port district who participate in the federal railroad retirement system were included within the definition of "employee" for purposes of chapter 41.40 RCW. (2) The legislature finds that it has not been its intent for an employee to receive retirement service credit in more than one defined benefit retirement plan for the same period of service, or for an employer to be required to make retirement contributions to more than one retirement plan for the same employee and period of service. (3) It is the intent of the legislature to clarify that an employee of a port district who participates in a federal retirement system for a period of service is not eligible for membership in the public employees' retirement system for that same period of service and is not required to participate in the public employees' retirement system for that period. (4) The legislature further intends …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Hunter Abell (R) · primary sponsor
• Andrew Engell (R)
• Stephanie Barnard (R)
• Janice Zahn (D)

Latest actions

1. March 23, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026*.
2. March 23, 2026: Chapter 133, 2026 Laws.
3. March 23, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 12, 2026: President signed.
6. March 12, 2026: Speaker signed.
7. March 12, 2026: Passed final passage; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
8. March 12, 2026: House concurred in Senate amendments.
9. March 4, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
10. March 4, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Votes

• Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 12, 2026): 96 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 4, 2026): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Ways & Means: Do pass as amended (March 2, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 16, 2026): 96 yea, 1 nay, passed
• House Committee on Appropriations: Do pass (January 22, 2026): 30 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2179?

HB2179 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Port workers PERS membership.

What does HB2179 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to membership in the public employees' retirement system for port workers who participate in a federal railroad retirement plan, a union-sponsored defined benefit retirement plan, or another employer-funded private pension plan; amending RCW 41.40.023; creating a new section; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB2179?

Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026*. (March 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2179?

Hunter Abell (R), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2179?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2179&Year=2025