SCS/HB 1599 - This act would allow certain members of the County Employees' Retirement System who work part-time for a county (less than 1000 hours a year) to receive an annuity without any changes to such annuity. Currently, no member may receive an annuity while employed by a county.

This act also would allow certain surviving spouses of members with 8 years or more creditable service in the County Employees' Retirement System to take a reduced benefit before the deceased member would have reached normal retirement age. Currently, the surviving spouse must wait until the deceased member would have attained normal retirement age before receiving benefits. This portion of the act is essentially identical to SB 841 (1998).

This act modifies the definition of "employee" to apply to persons hired and fired by the county, whose work responsiblities are directed and controlled by the county and who are compensated directly from county funds.
MARGARET J. TOALSON