MS HB780

Creates new sections 25-11-147 and 25-11-321 to allow courts to order withholding of retirement benefits from Public Employees' Retirement System and Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan members convicted of felonies involving unlawful taking, obtaining, or misappropriation of public funds committed on or after July 1, 2024.

Court-ordered withholding shall require monthly deductions from retirement benefits so full restitution is repaid within not more than three years, with withheld amounts distributed by the Attorney General to the affected government body.

Withholding does not begin until all appeals of conviction are exhausted or appeal time expires; retirement benefits remain unaffected during pending appeals.

Applies to active members, retired members re-elected to office, and members who were elected officials at time of felony commission; withholding applies only to retirement system covering the elected office where felony occurred.

Clarifies that court-ordered withholding is not a garnishment or assignment of benefits and excludes withholding determinations from administrative appeal procedures.