Bill > SB521

This bill expands existing California law regarding the disqualification of public employees from future employment following certain criminal convictions. The bill adds "conflict of interest" to the list of felonies that can result in a five-year ban from public employment, which previously included bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public money, perjury, and related conspiracy crimes. Additionally, the bill specifically targets city managers and city attorneys, stipulating that if they are convicted of these felonies, they will be permanently disqualified from future public employment in equivalent roles. The five-year disqualification period begins either on the date of final conviction or upon release from incarceration. The bill defines a "public employee" as someone employed at will to provide services to an elected public officer, and it applies to city managers and city attorneys employed on or after January 1, 2026. Notably, the Legislature declares that the integrity of public employees is a matter of statewide concern, which means these provisions will apply to all cities in California, including charter cities, to ensure consistent standards of accountability and ethical conduct in public service.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB521