The state House of Representatives recently advanced legislation introduced by state Sen. John DiSanto (R-15) that would ensure that public employees who commit job-related felonies lose their taxpayer-funded pension.
Currently, the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act requires a public employee to forfeit their pension only for certain crimes listed in the act. This enables public employees charged with a forfeiture crime to plead guilty to a different non-forfeiture crime to avoid losing their pension.
Senate Bill 113 would require pension forfeiture if a public employee or public official is convicted of or pleads guilty or no contest to any felony offense related to their employment.
The legislation would also require criminal convictions involving public officials to be reported to state pension boards.
“I appreciate my House colleagues taking prompt action on my legislation,” DiSanto said. “That’s a sign that both chambers agree it is well past time to require all egregious offenders to face a financial penalty for violating the public trust. I’m looking forward to securing final legislative approval and getting this reform signed into law.”
The state Senate approved the bill on Feb. 4. Because the House made a technical amendment to the bill, it will now return to the Senate for consideration.