Missouri Senate Bill SB1157

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SB1157 will significantly alter the landscape of retirement benefits for public officers in Missouri. By disallowing retirement benefits for officers found guilty of crimes such as felony stealing, bribery, and forgery, the legislation is designed to act as a deterrent against misconduct. The employer of any convicted officer is required to notify the relevant retirement system, ensuring there is a mechanism in place for accountability and potential recovery of funds. This shift in policy could lead to greater scrutiny of public officers' conduct and encourage ethical behavior among those in public service roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 1157 addresses the eligibility of public officers for retirement benefits in the case of felony convictions related to their official duties. The new legislation repeals the existing section 105.669 and introduces regulations that stipulate that any public officer convicted of specific felony crimes will not be entitled to retirement benefits accrued after August 28, 2014. This change aims to ensure that those who abuse their positions of trust and are charged with serious crimes can be held accountable, thus enhancing public confidence in the integrity of public service.

Contention

Notably, the bill could prompt discussions around the fairness and implications of denying retirement benefits based on felony convictions. Opponents may raise concerns about the potential for an overreach if public officers are deemed ineligible for retirement plans without ample procedural safeguards. Additionally, the definitions of qualifying felony offenses may be debated, questioning whether the specified offenses accurately reflect the standards of conduct necessary for public office. This tension between safeguarding public funds and ensuring fair treatment for individuals who lose their posts due to legal issues can lead to ongoing legislative and public discourse.