HI SB2509

Proposes an amendment to Hawaii Constitution Article XVI, Section 2 to authorize the legislature to require forfeiture or reduction of pension benefits for state and political subdivision employees convicted of felonies related to their employment.

Currently, Hawaii law provides no mechanism for pension forfeiture regardless of the severity of a felony conviction by a public official or employee who abused their office.

Adds language to the constitutional provision on employees' retirement systems stating benefits may be forfeited or reduced by statute for members convicted of employment-related felonies, while preserving the general contractual nature of pension rights.

Requires voter approval through a constitutional ballot question asking whether the legislature should be authorized to statutorily require forfeiture or reduction of benefits for retirement system members convicted of employment-related felonies.

Takes effect upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution (standard constitutional amendment procedures).