Bill > SB521

This bill expands existing California law regarding disqualification of public employees from future employment after being convicted of certain felonies. Currently, public employees are disqualified from public employment for five years if convicted of felonies like bribery, embezzlement, or perjury related to their official duties. The bill adds "conflict of interest" to the list of disqualifying offenses and specifically targets city managers and city attorneys, prohibiting them from future public employment in equivalent roles if convicted of these felonies. The 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. Importantly, the bill includes a legislative finding that these provisions address a matter of statewide concern, which means the law will apply to all California cities, including those with charter provisions. The definitions for "city attorney" and "city manager" are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to individuals employed in those roles from that date forward.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

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