State Retirement and Pension System - Forfeiture of Benefits

HB 98 requires the forfeiture of retirement benefits for public employees convicted of specific crimes committed while performing their duties. It directly affects members of Maryland’s state police, law enforcement, teachers, correctional officers, and judges’ retirement systems who are found guilty of qualifying crimes (like those under Maryland Criminal Law §§ 3-303, 3-304, 3-309, or 3-310). The bill establishes that benefits are forfeited upon final conviction, but allows a one-year window to request partial payment and reverses forfeitures if the Internal Revenue Service determines they would invalidate tax-qualified status. It does not apply to service earned before July 1, 2025.