Texas Senate Bill SB110

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the eligibility for service retirement annuities from a public retirement system of public officers or employees convicted of certain offenses.

Impact

This bill presents a significant modification to state laws governing public retirement systems, particularly addressing how eligibility is determined in light of legal convictions. Upon conviction of relevant offenses, the bill mandates that retirement systems must suspend payments and can only resume them if the individual is later exonerated or meets specific legal conditions. The implications are far-reaching, affecting not just the financial security of those individuals, but also setting a precedent for accountability among public officials.

Summary

SB110 addresses the eligibility for service retirement annuities from public retirement systems for public officers or employees who have been convicted of certain offenses. The bill stipulates that if a public officer is convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors related to their official duties, they shall become ineligible to receive full retirement benefits. This reduction in benefits is contingent upon a court's ruling regarding the conviction, allowing for the potential suspension of benefits until legal matters are resolved.

Contention

During deliberations, concerns were raised regarding the fairness and process of determining ineligibility for retirement benefits. Critics argue that the bill could penalize individuals without a full adversarial process and potentially disincentivize public service due to fear of unjust convictions impacting their livelihoods. Additionally, there was discussion around the definitions of offenses and how broadly they could be interpreted, which could further complicate matters surrounding public officials' retirement security and their rights.