Retirement; elected officials convicted of certain felonies shall have benefits suspended until full restitution has been made.

HB 489 would suspend retirement benefits for Mississippi elected officials convicted of felonies involving misuse of public funds (e.g., stealing or misusing government money), effective July 1, 2025. It applies to active or retired officials who commit such crimes during their service, requiring full repayment of misused funds before benefits resume. Benefits are suspended only after all appeals are resolved and the Attorney General confirms the conviction is final. The suspension affects only the retirement system covering the official’s elected office service, not other retirement plans they may hold.