House Approves DiSanto Bill Expanding Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act

Harrisburg – Legislation introduced by State Senator John DiSanto (R-15) to ensure that public employees who commit job-related felonies are stripped of their taxpayer-funded pension was approved today by the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 113 was approved by the Senate on February 4, and will return to the chamber for consideration after the House made a technical amendment.

Currently, the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act requires a public employee to forfeit his or her pension only for certain crimes listed in the act. In practice, this law allows public employees charged with a forfeiture crime to plead guilty to a different non-forfeiture crime in order to avoid losing their pension.

Senate Bill 113 would require pension forfeiture if a public employee or public official is convicted of or pleads guilty or no contest to any felony offense related to his or her employment.

In addition, the legislation ensures that criminal convictions involving public officials are reported to state pension boards. Current law does not require the employee, courts, or state agencies to send copies of court records upon conviction.

 “I appreciate my House colleagues taking prompt action on my legislation. That’s a sign that both chambers agree it is well past time to require all egregious offenders to face a financial penalty for violating the public trust. I’m looking forward to securing final legislative approval and getting this reform signed into law,” DiSanto said.

 

CONTACT: Chuck Erdman cerdman@pasen.gov (717) 787-6801

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