Provides full forfeiture of pension of elected or appointed official convicted of any crime touching office.
Impact
This legislation represents a significant reform in pension law within New Jersey. By extending the scope of forfeiture to all crimes committed during the term of public service, it asserts that dishonorable conduct should have tangible consequences affecting the financial future of individuals in public office. Previously, pension forfeiture was more narrowly defined, applying only to specific crimes and those directly related to the responsibilities of the position. A5866's stringent approach aims to deter misconduct by making the financial repercussions clear and immediate.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5866 introduces measures for the forfeiture of pension benefits specifically for elected or appointed officials convicted of crimes related to their office. The bill mandates that the board of trustees responsible for state or locally-administered pension funds must enforce a complete forfeiture of pension rights for those members found guilty of crimes carried out during their public service, regardless of whether those crimes directly affected the pension system covering their position. This amendment aims to strengthen accountability among officials and uphold the integrity of public service.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support from those advocating for increased accountability in government, it is not without contention. Critics argue that the broad application of pension forfeiture could lead to overreaches, where minor offenses or unjust convictions could strip officials of their retirement security. They raise concerns about the potential for misuse of this legislation against political opponents or for subjective interpretations of what constitutes 'dishonorable conduct.' The balance between punishment for misconduct and fair treatment of public servants remains a pivotal point of debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee to forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Repeals provision that requires court-ordered pension forfeiture upon conviction of public employee for certain crimes; requires retirement system to consider for pension forfeiture length and duration of misconduct or crime in relation to public employee's length of service.
Repeals provision that requires court-ordered pension forfeiture upon conviction of public employee for certain crimes; requires retirement system to consider for pension forfeiture length and duration of misconduct or crime in relation to public employee's length of service.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee to forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.