Public employment: disqualification.

Senator Gonzalez's public employment integrity measure expands California's felony disqualification rules for public employees while creating permanent restrictions for city managers and attorneys convicted of workplace-related crimes. The legislation adds conflict of interest felonies to the list of offenses that trigger a five-year ban from public employment, joining existing disqualifications for bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public money, and perjury arising from official duties.

For city managers and city attorneys, including those working under contract, the bill establishes a permanent prohibition on holding equivalent positions following conviction of any qualifying felony. These provisions apply to individuals assuming these roles after January 1, 2026. The Legislature's findings specify that these integrity requirements constitute a matter of statewide concern, making them applicable to all California cities, including charter cities.

The disqualification period begins on either the date of final conviction or release from incarceration, whichever occurs later. The bill maintains existing definitions of public employees as those providing services to elected officials who take or retain office after January 1, 2013.