MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Legislature has given final approval to legislation that would require public employees to forfeit their state pensions if they commit a crime related to their government positions.

The House voted 67-16 for the bill Tuesday night. It passed the Senate in February and now goes to the governor.

The sponsor, Republican Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur, said the bill applies to future cases. It would require corrupt public employees to forfeit the state-paid portion of their pensions. They would get back the portion of their salaries they paid toward their pensions, plus interest.

The CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, David Bronner, said the legislation is good for taxpayers. He hopes it will discourage public officials from taking bribes and educators from committing sex crimes involving students.