WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
Hagens Berman is investigating the rights of Washington state first responders who receive benefits under the Washington Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Act (LEOFF), created in 1969. Currently, the Washington state Senate Ways and Means Committee is considering a bill that could jeopardize the pension benefits of retired police officers and firefighters. Under HB 2034, $3.3 billion would be transferred away from LEOFF Plan 1 to other state funds to cover a shortfall in other areas of the state budget, which could result in the fund lacking sufficient funds to fully pay the retirement benefits of thousands of Washington state’s bravest.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The retirement plan in question was created in the state of Washington for the exclusive benefit of all law enforcement officers and firefighters in the state. LEOFF Plan 1 or LEOFF 1 provides retirement benefits for employees who were hired before Oct. 1, 1997. According to a recent House Bill Report, as of 2024, approximately 5,945 members of LEOFF Plan 1 were receiving benefits and six members were not yet retired. LEOFF 1 was closed to new members as of Oct. 1, 1997. If you receive benefits through LEOFF 1, you may be affected by HB 2034.
WHAT LEOFF BOARD MEMBERS ARE SAYING
Since my retirement in 2005 I have received benefits from the LEOFF 1 retirement plan which has stood as a contractual agreement between the state of Washington and the LEOFF retirees for decades. For the past 20 years the state legislature has attempted to dissolve and or change the contract. These are cops that put their lives on the line for years and some for decades, working in life-or-death situations, some still battling PTSD and other job-related disabilities. The remaining members are in their 70s and 80s, and we are taking this personally. The state should do what’s right and honor this contract.
- Dave Reichert currently serves as the secretary for the LEOFF 1 coalition and was hired under the LEOFF 1 pension and benefits plan, of which he has paid into since 1972 when hired. Mr. Reichert served as a patrol cop, detective, patrol sergeant, lieutenant, SWAT team commander, captain, precinct commander and finally as King County Sheriff.
Since that time, I have received the benefits of an LEOFF I retirement, and this pension system is a contractual right between the state and the retirees. Over the years the state legislature has made assaults against the LEOFF I pension, the latest being SHB-2034. As a matter of principle, we cannot let the legislature in any way change the LEOFF I pension. This continued attack on retired police officers and deputies is legally and morally wrong.
- John Nordlund is the current president of the Retired Seattle Police Officers' Association (RSPOA), which boasts more than 700 members. He served on the Seattle Police Department for over 30 years, retiring in 2001.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A MEMBER OF LEOFF
Hagens Berman believes our nation’s first responders deserve their justly earned retirement benefits. Our firm stands alongside our state’s bravest, and we intend to defend their rights under the Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act, should the state Senate choose to enact this under law.
TOP LAW FIRM IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY
Hagens Berman is widely recognized for its nationwide consumer-protection work and has secured total settlements valued at more than $345 billion for classes and clients since its inception in 1993, including against some of the world’s most powerful corporations. Should this issue bring about litigation, and you have a claim, you have a claim against the state of Washington will be handled by attorneys experienced in complex large-scale litigation. The firm also represented plaintiffs against the state of Washington in 2001 when similar issues arose.
Our firm is also skilled in its representation of veterans and military servicemembers. Our attorneys have represented vets in personal injury cases and in class cases against Bank of America ($42 million settlement) and USAA Bank ($64.2 million settlement). Hagens Berman is also currently pursuing wage-fixing claims for aerospace employees, commonly former military servicemembers.
NO COST TO YOU
In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the class's legal team.
