Bill > H21

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to strengthen the provisions for pension forfeiture. The key provisions are: 1. Expanding the grounds for pension forfeiture to include felony convictions involving violations of laws applicable to the member's office or position, or arising from the course of their employment, including certain sex offenses against children. 2. Establishing a process for retirement boards to hold hearings and determine the appropriate level of pension forfeiture, which can range from one-third to the entire pension amount, with exceptions for certain beneficiaries. 3. Prohibiting members who have had their pensions forfeited from becoming members of a different retirement system or increasing their allowance, except for cost-of-living adjustments. 4. Requiring the reporting of member convictions that may trigger pension forfeiture, and providing an appeals process for members aggrieved by the forfeiture decision. 5. Allowing the use of a member's accumulated deductions to provide restitution for misappropriated funds or property. The overall intent of the bill is to hold public employees accountable for criminal conduct related to their employment and ensure the appropriate forfeiture of their pension benefits.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H21