Advocacy Group Threatens Lawsuit Over Proposed Use of Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Pension Surplus

The LEOFF 1 Coalition warns that a bill to dissolve and reinstate the pension plan to access surplus funds could set a dangerous precedent.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 1:40am

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A pension advocacy group, the LEOFF 1 Coalition, is threatening legal action if the Washington state Legislature passes a bill that would dissolve and then reinstate the Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighter 1 pension plan in order to access over $4 billion in projected surplus funds. The bill's sponsors argue that the plan changes would not undermine pensioners' contractual rights, citing analyses from the state Attorney General's office and a pension law firm. However, the LEOFF 1 Coalition argues the bill could set a precedent for lawmakers to redirect pension assets in the future.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between lawmakers' desire to access pension surpluses to fill budget gaps and the legal and ethical obligations to protect the retirement security of public sector workers. The outcome could impact the long-term stability and autonomy of public pension systems in Washington state.

The details

House Bill 2034, sponsored by the House Appropriations Committee Chair Timm Ormsby, would dissolve the LEOFF 1 plan and then reinstate it, allowing the state to access over $4 billion in projected surplus funds. The bill's sponsors say they have consulted with legal experts who concluded the plan changes would not violate pensioners' contractual rights. However, the LEOFF 1 Coalition argues the bill could set a dangerous precedent for lawmakers to redirect pension assets in the future, even if current pensioners' benefits are protected.

  • House Bill 2034 cleared the House and is now scheduled for a Feb. 26 public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
  • In 2025, Senate Bill 5085 would have merged several closed plans, including LEOFF 1.
  • In 2022, the state Legislature enacted SB 5791, which gave LEOFF 1 pensioners a one-time lump sum benefit equal to $100 per service credit month.

The players

LEOFF 1 Coalition

A pension advocacy group that is threatening legal action if House Bill 2034 is enacted.

Timm Ormsby

The Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee, who sponsored House Bill 2034.

Joe Fitzgibbon

A Democratic state representative and cosponsor of House Bill 2034.

Nick Brown

The Washington state Attorney General, whose office provided an analysis concluding that House Bill 2034 would not violate pensioners' rights.

Ice Miller

An Indianapolis-based pension law firm that also provided an analysis concluding that House Bill 2034 reflects an "acceptable restatement" of the LEOFF 1 plan.

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What they’re saying

“If this bill passes it will give lawmakers gain broader authority to redirect or manage pension assets, it could set a precedent that future legislatures might use in ways that were never envisioned when the plan was created.”

— Joyce Wilms, Executive Director, LEOFF 1 Coalition

“Their duty is to oversee the pension, and the pension funds can only be used for LEOFF members and beneficiaries. They made a promise. Do you see them cutting spending? I don't. They're not cutting the spending. They keep on spending, and they saw this coming.”

— Joyce Wilms, Executive Director, LEOFF 1 Coalition

“The guidance we received was that the plan beneficiaries must receive their vested contractual right to a monthly retirement allowance and have the vested contractual right to systematic funding of the pension plan. HB 2034 respects those rights.”

— Joe Fitzgibbon, State Representative, Cosponsor of HB 2034

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.