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Bill

Bill

S 140

Requires suspension without pay and health care benefits if public officer or employee formally charged with crime involving or touching office, position, or employment.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Holzapfel

Bill automatically suspends public employees without pay or health benefits if formally charged with crime related to their job, pending trial outcome.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · S 140

Legislative bill overview

S.140 would mandate automatic suspension without pay and loss of health care benefits for any public officer or employee who is formally charged with a crime related to their official duties or employment. The suspension would remain in effect until the criminal charges are resolved through the judicial system.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects job security and financial wellbeing of public sector workers during the pretrial period, which can last months or years. It also reflects broader public concerns about accountability and integrity in government, while raising questions about due process protections for employees who haven't been convicted.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Suspending employees before conviction or trial verdict differs from the presumption of innocence principle; charging is not equivalent to guilt
  • Financial hardship: Loss of both income and health insurance during a potentially lengthy pretrial process could create severe hardship for accused employees and their families
  • Definition ambiguity: "Touching office, position, or employment" is broad and could capture peripherally-related charges, potentially ensnaring employees for minor offenses
  • Recruitment and retention: Harsh automatic penalties may discourage qualified candidates from public service
  • Existing procedures: Most public employers already have suspension policies for charged employees; this removes discretion and case-by-case assessment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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