MD HB98

Public employees convicted of, pleading guilty to, or entering nolo contendere pleas for qualifying sex crimes (rape, sexual offense, and related offenses under Criminal Law Article §§ 3-303, 3-304, 3-309, or 3-310) committed during their official duties forfeit their State Retirement and Pension System benefits

Applies to members, former members, and retirees of six state retirement systems: State Police, Law Enforcement Officers', Employees', Teachers', Correctional Officers', and Judges' retirement systems, but only for service credit earned after July 1, 2025

Convicted employees or their dependents may file claims in circuit court within 1 year for partial payment of benefits, with courts considering factors including crime severity, monetary losses, public trust, and financial needs of the employee and dependents

Existing domestic relations orders providing benefits to former spouses are protected from forfeiture, and courts may enter new orders directing forfeited benefits to spouses, children, or dependents for child support, alimony, or marital property purposes

Forfeitures are reversed and benefits restored if convictions are overturned; the Board of Trustees may recover benefits already paid to employees convicted after retirement