MS HB1186

Suspends retirement benefits from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan (SLRP) for elected officials convicted of felonies involving unlawful taking, obtaining, or misappropriation of public funds committed on or after July 1, 2020.

Requires a court to conduct a civil hearing to determine if suspension conditions are met; the court must notify the member and beneficiaries before issuing a suspension order.

Benefits remain suspended until all appeals of the conviction are concluded or the appeal period expires, as determined by the Attorney General, and the member makes full restitution of misappropriated public funds.

Applies to active members, retired members serving in elected office after retirement, and former members who were elected officials when the felony was committed, including convictions in other states or federal courts.

Exempts suspension orders from being treated as attachments, assignments, or garnishments of retirement benefits, and protects the retirement system from liability for good faith payment reliance on court orders and Attorney General determinations.