2012 House Bill 5548

Increase health benefit contribution by retired legislators

Introduced in the House

April 19, 2012

Introduced by Rep. Andrea LaFontaine (R-32)

To require former legislators receiving the lifetime health insurance benefits granted at age 55 to those who spent at least six years in office to pay 20 percent of the cost, rather than the current 10 percent. This benefit was recently repealed for future legislators, although the state Senate succeeded in amending it so that 36 out of 38 current state Senators and 14 out of 110 current House members will still get the benefit.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

May 23, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 29, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Chuck Moss (R-40)

To end this benefit for all current legislators.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Lisa Brown (D-39)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4575, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 4575 would require lawmakers to pay 25 percent of the cost of health insurance they are given while in office.

The amendment failed by voice vote

June 7, 2012

Passed in the House 100 to 8 (details)

To require former legislators receiving the lifetime health insurance benefits granted at age 55 to those who spent at least six years in office to pay 20 percent of the cost, rather than the current 10 percent.

Received in the Senate

June 12, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing