Revokes the public pension of a public officer who stands convicted on an impeachment; applies retroactively.
Summary
Bill S04772 proposes an amendment to the New York State Constitution regarding the public pensions of public officers. It stipulates that public officers convicted of felonies related to their duties may have their pensions reduced or revoked following a court hearing. The bill also establishes that public officers convicted through impeachment will have their pensions revoked, regardless of when the conviction occurred. This amendment aims to ensure accountability among public officials and protect public funds from being allocated to those who violate their duties through criminal actions.
Impact
If passed, this bill would amend the New York State Constitution, specifically section 7 of article 5 and section 24 of article 6. It would allow for the reduction or revocation of pensions for public officers convicted of specific crimes, thereby impacting how pensions are managed for those in public service. This change would likely lead to increased scrutiny of public officials' conduct and could deter misconduct by linking criminal behavior directly to financial consequences.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S04772 appears to be mixed, with some support for the accountability it seeks to impose on public officials, while others may express concerns about the implications for due process and the potential for retroactive application of the law. Discussions have highlighted the importance of ensuring justice while balancing the rights of public officers.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns about the fairness of retroactively applying pension revocation to past convictions and the potential impact on public officers' families. Some legislators argue that the bill could lead to unjust outcomes, particularly for those who may have committed crimes unrelated to their official duties. Others emphasize the need for accountability and the protection of taxpayer interests.
Relating to the impeachment or removal from office of certain public officers, including procedures governing the impeachment, trial on impeachment, and disqualification of state officers, and to the grounds for which certain public officers may be removed from office.
Relating to the impeachment or removal from office of certain public officers, including procedures governing the impeachment, trial on impeachment, and disqualification of state officers, and to the grounds for which certain public officers may be removed from office.
Requires public officer or employee forfeit pension upon conviction of certain crimes; alters factors determining honorable service; opens pension to garnishment upon conviction of certain offenses.
An Act Concerning Pension Revocation Or Reduction For Public Officials And State Or Municipal Employees Convicted Of Crimes Related To State Or Municipal Office.
Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.
Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.
Prohibits the naming of state buildings after a public officer during the period in which that person is a public officer or after a public officer who has been convicted of a felony.
Prohibits the naming of state buildings after a public officer during the period in which that person is a public officer or after a public officer who has been convicted of a felony.