Bill > HB98

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for forfeiting retirement benefits for public employees who commit certain qualifying crimes during their service. Specifically, the bill applies to members of various state retirement systems, including state police, law enforcement, teachers, correctional officers, and judges, and only covers crimes committed on or after July 1, 2025. If a public employee is convicted of a qualifying crime (such as certain offenses committed while performing official duties), their retirement allowance may be fully forfeited, though they can petition a court within one year for a partial payment considering factors like crime severity, financial needs, and impact on dependents. The bill also protects the interests of spouses, former spouses, and dependents by allowing them to file claims for partial benefit payments for purposes like child support or alimony. Importantly, if a conviction is later overturned, the employee's benefits will be restored, including cost-of-living adjustments. The bill includes safeguards to ensure that benefit forfeiture does not negatively impact the tax-qualified status of retirement systems and allows employees to request a return of their accumulated contributions, with potential reductions for previously received benefits that would have been forfeited.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0098?ys=2025RS