This bill amends current law to mandate the full forfeiture of pension benefits for any elected or appointed official convicted of a crime related to their public office. Specifically, it requires the board of trustees of any State or locally-administered pension fund to order the forfeiture of all earned service credit or retirement benefits for members convicted of misconduct during their service, regardless of whether the pension system covered the office in question. The bill also allows for the possibility of partial forfeiture based on the nature of the misconduct, with the board authorized to consider various factors, such as the member's length of service and the gravity of the offense, when determining the appropriateness of forfeiture.

The bill introduces new legal language that expands the criteria for pension forfeiture beyond the current law, which only applies to specific crimes directly related to the office held. It emphasizes the importance of honorable service and provides a framework for evaluating misconduct, ensuring that the board of trustees has clear guidelines to follow when making decisions about pension benefits. This change aims to enhance accountability among public officials and ensure that those who engage in dishonorable conduct are not rewarded with pension benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:1-3