Bill > SB44

This bill establishes new rules for the forfeiture of retirement benefits for public employees in Maryland who are convicted of certain crimes committed while on duty, specifically defining a "qualifying crime" as a criminal offense related to their job duties, and applies to members of various state retirement systems, excluding service earned before July 1, 2026. Under these provisions, a public employee's retirement allowance will be forfeited if they are found guilty of, plead guilty to, or enter a plea of no contest to a qualifying crime, though benefits will not be forfeited if the Internal Revenue Service determines it would negatively impact the tax-qualified status of the retirement systems. Importantly, the bill allows for a public employee to petition a court for a partial payment of their forfeited benefits, considering factors like the crime's severity and financial needs, and also permits spouses, former spouses, children, or other dependents to claim a portion of the forfeited benefits for child support, alimony, or marital property rights through a court-ordered domestic relations order, with specific provisions for the restoration of benefits if a conviction is overturned.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0044?ys=2026RS