Bill > H28

This bill makes significant changes to pension forfeiture laws in Massachusetts, specifically focusing on how public employees can lose their retirement benefits following a criminal conviction. The bill expands the circumstances under which a public employee can forfeit their pension, particularly for those convicted of felonies related to their official duties or involving crimes against children. The new provisions detail a comprehensive process for pension forfeiture, including mandatory hearings by a retirement board to determine the extent of forfeiture based on factors such as the severity of the crime, monetary loss, violation of public trust, and recommendations from prosecutors. For members with ten or more years of creditable service, the board can reduce their retirement allowance by one-third, two-thirds, to a minimum allowance, or forfeit it entirely. Members with less than ten years of service will lose all rights to their retirement allowance. The bill also introduces provisions preventing forfeited members from joining other retirement systems, requires repayment of excess benefits, and addresses situations involving misreported salary. Additionally, the bill provides an appeals process through the Massachusetts Superior Court and ensures that beneficiaries can still receive survivor benefits under certain conditions if they were not involved in the member's criminal conduct.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H28