NJ A2791

Public officers or employees convicted of crimes related to their position become liable for prosecution costs to the Attorney General, county prosecutor, or U.S. Attorney, plus any publicly-funded legal defense costs they received.

Public officers or employees found at fault in civil matters related to their position must reimburse the public entity for any legal representation costs paid on their behalf.

Retirement benefits and pension contributions in State-administered systems can be garnished to satisfy these liabilities, including money judgments for theft or misuse of public funds under Title 2C, Chapter 27.

The Division of Pensions and Benefits must seek an IRS determination letter confirming the pension garnishment provisions maintain qualified plan status under federal law.

If the IRS determines the garnishment provisions disqualify the retirement systems under federal law, the pension garnishment section automatically becomes void.