For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Contact: 986-4702

Well on its way! An Anti Corruption Bill that Has a Good Chance of Becoming Law Passed Another Committee Unanimously Last Night

SB 259a Forfeiture of Public Official Benefits

Santa Fe- Well on its way to becoming law. The House Labor and Human Resources Committee last night unanimously passed an anti- corruption bill that unanimously passed the Senate Sunday. SB 259a now heads to House Judiciary. Its sponsor, Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne says of all the anti-corruption bills this session, SB 259a has a good chance of passing both chambers and becoming law.

The Senate passed Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne’s SB 259a- Forfeiture of Public Official Benefits 36 to 0 on March 13, 2011.

“Corrupt officials should lose their salaries and benefits like pensions and this bill allows a judge to consider that punishment,” Senator Payne said. “Public officials who violate the public trust while receiving a salary from taxpayers should receive a greater punishment than just the basic sentence. In addition to prison time, being fined the amount of their salary and benefits is the minimum we should do to officials who use their public office to further their criminal activity.”