OK HB1801

Teachers' Retirement System members who are finally convicted of or plead guilty/nolo contendere to a felony in state or federal court forfeit all retirement benefits, except member contributions and vested benefits as of the effective date.

Forfeiture does not apply if a member receives a deferred sentence, but retirement benefits cannot commence until the deferred sentence is completed.

System members convicted after leaving active employment forfeit benefits if the felony involves bribery, corruption, forgery, perjury, crimes related to employment duties, or campaign contribution/financing violations.

Prosecuting attorneys must notify the retirement system of forfeitures; the system immediately suspends benefits and provides members notice of their right to a hearing to challenge the forfeiture determination.

If state prosecutors do not provide notice, the retirement system may independently investigate and gather court documents to determine if a conviction qualifies for forfeiture; the act becomes effective November 1, 2015.