All Roll Calls
Yes: 143 • No: 1
WashingtonSB 54782025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Concerning benefits authorized to be offered by the public employees' benefits board.
Sponsored By: Jessica Bateman (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
12 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.
Hour-based PEBB eligibility for workers
You qualify for PEBB from your hire date if your agency expects you to average at least 80 hours a month, work at least 8 hours each month, and the job is expected to last more than six months. If you were not eligible at hire, you become eligible after averaging 80 hours a month over six months. After you qualify, you keep eligibility in any month you are in pay status at least 8 hours, you stay in a benefits-eligible job, and any leave is approved. Seasonal and some faculty have separate rules.
Protects plan benefits at 1993 level
The board must design employee plans with comprehensive health care benefits, considering cost control, networks, wellness incentives, and benefit coordination. Plan benefits must be substantially equal to the state plan in place on January 1, 1993. Changes are allowed for copays, premiums, or using a high-deductible plan with a health savings account. This protects covered workers from large benefit cuts.
PEBB rules for seasonal workers
Seasonal employees are eligible from hire if the agency expects at least 80 hours a month and at least 8 hours each month of the season. If you were not eligible at hire, you can qualify after averaging 80 hours a month over six months. If the season is nine months or more, the employer contributes during the off-season; if it is under nine months, it does not.
PEBB rules for college faculty
Faculty expected to work half-time or more for the full instructional year (or a nine-month equivalent) are eligible from hire and stay eligible through the next instructional year. Other faculty qualify at the start of the second straight quarter or semester they are half-time or more. Employer contributions are prorated when you work at more than one institution. The board defines 'academic year' and 'half-time' and must provide written notice when you may qualify.
How PEBB sets eligibility rules
The board can set new eligibility rules, not limited to the 1993 standards. When your job fits multiple categories, the single best-fit category decides eligibility. The board defines what counts as a benefits-eligible position. Agencies may ignore training, standby, or short-term hour changes in counting hours. The authority may penalize agencies that do not follow eligibility rules.
When PEBB coverage starts and ends
Your PEBB insurance starts the first day of the month after your eligibility date. If your eligibility date is the first working day of a month, coverage starts that same day. Your eligibility ends the first day of the month after your job ends, except for specified seasonal and faculty rules.
Eligibility dates for officials and judges
Legislators are eligible for PEBB on the date their term begins. Other elected and full-time appointed legislative and executive branch officials are eligible on the earlier of their term start or their oath of office. Justices and judges are eligible on the date they take the oath of office.
Optional employee-paid extra coverages
The board may offer optional, employee-paid benefits when funding is available. Examples include identity protection, long-term care, pet insurance, and travel insurance. These add options, but you pay the full cost.
No PEBB liability insurance for dependents
Dependents of PEBB-covered employees cannot get liability insurance through PEBB. The board and plan administrators must not offer it to dependents.
HSA and high-deductible plan option
For open enrollments after August 24, 2011, the board offers a health savings account option and a high-deductible health plan that works with it. You can save pre-tax money for medical costs. Premiums may be lower, but your out-of-pocket costs are higher until you meet the deductible.
Pick a plan or waive coverage
Employees must enroll in one of the health plans the board offers. The board may let you waive coverage under its rules. Waiving can cut your payroll costs but ends your coverage.
Premiums may favor managed care
The board may set employee premium contributions to encourage lower-cost managed care plans. If you pick a managed plan, you may pay less. If you do not, your costs may be the same or higher.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jessica Bateman
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
June Robinson
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/14/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 95 • No: 1 • Other: 2
Senate vote • 2/28/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Effective date 7/27/2025.
5/17/2025SenateChapter 339, 2025 Laws.
5/17/2025SenateGovernor signed.
5/17/2025legislatureDelivered to Governor.
4/22/2025legislatureSpeaker signed.
4/18/2025legislaturePresident signed.
4/18/2025legislatureThird reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.
4/14/2025SenateRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
4/14/2025SenateRules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
4/10/2025SenateReferred to Rules 2 Review.
3/27/2025SenateAPP - Executive action taken by committee.
3/24/2025SenateAPP - Majority; do pass.
3/24/2025SenateFirst reading, referred to Appropriations.
3/4/2025SenateThird reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
2/28/2025SenateRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/28/2025SenatePlaced on second reading consent calendar.
2/26/2025SenatePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
2/12/2025SenateHLTC - Majority; do pass.
2/11/2025SenateFirst reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
1/24/2025SenateIntroduced
1/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Session Law
5/22/2025
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/23/2025
Original Bill
1/24/2025
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