05/12/1998 11:47 AM Senate RLS

CHAIRMAN KELLY brought CSHB 323(FIN) - PERS CREDIT FOR                         
NONCERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES before the committee as the final order              
of business.                                                                   
                                                                               
SENATOR LEMAN asked if the committee could have a brief explanation            
of the bill by its sponsor because he had some concerns with the               
legislation.                                                                   
                                                                               
REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE, prime sponsor of HB 323, explained                   
concern had been raised earlier that there would be a tremendous               
fiscal note to the school districts.  The language was fixed to                
where the employees cover the entire cost of the increase which                
will maintain the actuarial soundness of the PERS system.  This                
will allow the employees to buy the extra three months themselves              
with no impact to the school districts.  It also provides the                  
choice of whether to opt in and participate or to not participate.             
                                                                               
The committee took a brief at-ease, and when it came back to order,            
CHAIRMAN KELLY announced CSHB 323(FIN) would be held in committee              
for further action.