Philadelphia looks to cut pensions for workers convicted under Megan’s Law

Philadelphia city workers who sexually abuse children could lose their pensions.  

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s bill calls for revoking the pension of any city employee convicted of a Megan’s Law offense.  Councilwoman Brown says the workers should be forced to forfeit their pension if they are convicted of sexual crimes.

“In light of the alleged child abuse sex abuse scandal at my alma mater and former employer Penn State University and in response to the fact that the alleged offender, former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is eligible for a taxpayer funded state pension I was compelled to take some action,” said Brown.

An attorney for city council says if this bill becomes law, it might be tricky enforcing it for existing city workers.  He says the law would take effect for new hires and it could apply to all if it is negotiated into new labor contracts.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are also talking about such changes, which might supersede action in Philadelphia.