Public employment: disqualification.

Senator Gonzalez's public employment integrity measure expands disqualification criteria for California public employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties. The legislation adds conflict of interest felonies to the existing list of offenses—including bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public money, and perjury—that trigger a five-year ban from public employment.

The measure creates permanent employment restrictions for city managers and city attorneys, including contractors, who are convicted of these specified felonies. Under the new provisions, these officials would be barred from holding equivalent positions in any future public employment. The bill defines these roles as individuals employed under specific government code sections after January 1, 2026.

The Legislature's findings state that public employee integrity constitutes a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair, making these provisions applicable to all California cities, including charter cities. The five-year disqualification period begins either on the date of final conviction or release from incarceration, whichever occurs later.