AR HB1297

Persons convicted of or pleading guilty/nolo contendere to felonies relating to their public office or public employment forfeit retirement benefits, including current employees, nonvested members, vested members, and retirants of retirement systems.

Forfeited beneficiaries receive either full reimbursement of their contributions (minus child support owed) or 50% of contributions if a public defender was appointed or they owe fines, court costs, or restitution to the state.

Courts must enter an order finding forfeiture of public retirement benefits and may order restitution payments from the retirement system, pension benefits, or garnish the person's salary up to their total salary amount.

Beneficiaries of persons who forfeit retirement benefits are not entitled to receive those benefits but may receive reimbursement of the convicted person's contributions under the same terms.

Forfeited benefits are reinstated if the felony conviction is overturned on appeal; the law does not apply retroactively.