MS HB157

Creates new suspension procedures for elected officials in the Public Employees' Retirement System and Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan who are convicted of felonies involving unlawfully taken, obtained, or misappropriated public funds committed on or after July 1, 2017.

Requires courts to hold hearings to determine if suspension conditions are met and issue suspension orders; for out-of-state or federal convictions, the Attorney General initiates the court proceeding.

Suspends retirement benefits only after all criminal appeals are concluded or appeal deadlines expire; the Attorney General must notify the retirement system when this condition is satisfied.

Requires members to make full restitution of misappropriated public funds as determined by the Attorney General before retirement benefits resume; members forfeit all benefits during the suspension period.

Clarifies that benefit suspension is not considered an attachment or assignment of retirement benefits, is not subject to administrative appeal hearings, and that any ambiguity about suspension requirements is resolved in favor of the member.