Retirement; PERS and SLRP members convicted of certain felonies shall have benefits suspended until full restitution is made.

HB 982 suspends retirement benefits for Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan (SLRP) members convicted of felonies involving misuse of public funds, effective July 1, 2026. Benefits are paused until the member fully repays misused public funds, following a court hearing and confirmation that all appeals of the conviction are final. The bill ensures benefits are only suspended from the retirement system covering the employment period where the crime occurred, and the system cannot be held liable for payments made in good faith reliance on court orders and attorney general notifications. It applies to active members, retirees still employed by the state, and retirees who committed the crime during active service.