Mississippi House Bill HB15

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Retirement; PERS members convicted of job-related felonies shall be terminated from system.

Impact

This bill is expected to enforce stricter regulations regarding the conduct of public employees and their eligibility for benefits under the state retirement system. By terminating membership for convicted employees, the law aims to ensure that public trust is maintained while also allowing individuals charged with crimes to receive their retirement allowances until conviction. The implications of this bill may lead to increased accountability among public servants, instilling a deterrence mechanism against criminal behavior.

Summary

House Bill 15 aims to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code concerning the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The key change proposed is that any member of PERS who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a felony related to their employment will be terminated from the system. Notably, this applies to convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2022, establishing a direct consequence for criminal conduct tied to one's role in state service.

Contention

However, the bill has raised concerns among some stakeholders regarding the fairness of terminating benefits based solely on conviction, particularly if the individual is still undergoing legal proceedings or appeals. Critics argue that such measures may disproportionately affect employees and their families, potentially leading to financial hardships. Proponents, on the other hand, advocate for the necessity of maintaining the integrity of the public service and the importance of accountability in state government positions. Overall, the discourse surrounding HB15 reflects broader societal debates on justice and employment rights for public employees.