Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-01-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-01-24 House Journal Page 2242 HB 306 HOUSE BILL NO. 306 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2018-01-24 House Journal Page 2243 "An Act relating to disbursement options under the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the Teachers' Retirement System of Alaska for participants in the defined contribution plan; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to disbursement options for the defined contribution retirement plans. In 2005, the state established a defined contribution retirement plan for certain employees of the State, political subdivision, or public organization of the State. The plan applies to qualified members of the public employees' retirement system (AS 39.35), and the teachers' retirement system (AS 14.25) hired after July 1, 2006. Each plan includes provisions for membership, participation, contributions by members and employers, and distribution of a participant's share. Currently, the law places statutory restrictions on the forms of distribution. Unfortunately, for plan participants, the statutory options have proven to be inflexible and serve to limit plan participant options. The Division of Retirement and Benefits has found through surveys that plan participants desire further options, including an option for a guaranteed lifetime income product. To meet this need, the Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Department of Administration (DOA) are considering available options and will make those recommended options available for consideration bythe Alaska Retirement Management Board in the spring of 2018. 2018-01-24 House Journal Page 2244 This bill would provide DOA with the ability to put plan options in regulation. Through the regulation process, DOA would have more flexibility to respond to participant needs. This will result in better options for participants, enhance the desirability of public service as a career, and provide a more stable financial future for plan participants. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"