House Bill 991 would amend the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act to close a loophole relating to sexual offenses committed by public officials and employees
The Times
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) to prevent elected officials convicted of sexual offenses from receiving their public pension has passed the House.
House Bill 991 would amend the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act to close a loophole relating to sexual offenses committed by public officials and employees.
“As it is currently written, the act states that pension forfeiture will occur if any of the sexual offenses are committed against a student by a school employee, or if an employee of a youth detention center is convicted of raping a child committed to his or her care,” Thomas said. “The act does not apply to any other public official or employee or to any other victim. That must change.”
As under the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act, House Bill 991 states that in order for the forfeiture to occur, there must be a connection between the public office and the sexual offense committed.
“Elected officials must be held to the same standards as other public officials,” Thomas said.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
