Missouri Senate Bill SB719

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 4/6/23

Caption

Provides that certain public officers removed from office by a quo warranto action shall not be entitled to public retirement benefits

Impact

The passage of SB 719 would significantly influence state laws governing public retirement benefits, particularly as they relate to accountability and ethical conduct among public officers. By linking eligibility for benefits to felony convictions arising from misconduct in public service, the bill aims to enhance integrity within public office. However, it could also lead to discussions about fairness and the long-term impacts on officers who may have had legal issues yet performed substantial public service.

Summary

Senate Bill 719 seeks to amend the Missouri statutes regarding the eligibility of public officers for retirement benefits in cases where they have been convicted of certain felony offenses. Specifically, the bill stipulates that any participant of a retirement plan who is convicted of a felony that is committed directly in connection with their duties as a public employee will not be eligible for retirement benefits accrued after August 28, 2014. This applies to a range of serious offenses such as bribery, forgery, and felony stealing worth over $5,000. The bill also allows for the recovery of personal contributions, although the retirement benefits themselves will be denied based on the conviction status.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB 719 appears to lean towards rigorous accountability, as many support the idea that public officials should be held to the highest standards and not benefit from their wrongdoings. Supporters argue that this bill reflects the values of transparency and accountability, aiming to deter misconduct among public servants. Conversely, some critics may view this measure as an excessive punishment that disregards due process or fails to consider the nuances of each case, particularly regarding non-violent offenses.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 719 could include debates over what qualifies as a relevant felony conviction and how broadly these laws should apply. Some might argue that the bill's criteria could unfairly target certain individuals while allowing others to escape scrutiny. Additionally, there is likely to be a discussion regarding the implications of revitalizing the quo warranto process to remove individuals from office, which some critics might consider damaging to public trust and governance if misapplied.