The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - A court ruling that struck down a legislative pension increase will result in refunds totaling about $473,000 to 148 current and former members of the General Assembly.

For most, the refund will be about $3,650. Fifteen former legislators will receive about $2,600 apiece, according to the Legislative Research Commission and the Judicial Form Retirement System, which administers the plan.

The money was withheld from legislators' paychecks in anticipation of retirement benefits being substantially increased as a result of legislation passed in 2000.

The Kentucky Supreme Court in October declared the legislation unconstitutional. Actual pension payments never increased.

"This refund - that's their money," said Donna Early, executive secretary of the Judicial Form Retirement System. "It's not taxpayers' money. It actually belongs to these legislators who were paying the higher contribution in anticipation" of a higher benefit.

One hundred eighteen legislators and 14 former legislators are enrolled in the plan.