Legislation advanced by Rep. Stemler to remove convicted public officers gains Indiana House approval

For immediate release:
Feb. 2, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation authored by State Rep. Steven R. Stemler (D-Jeffersonville) allowing the removal of a public officer under certain circumstances.

House Bill 1335 corrects a flaw within current state laws to allow the removal of a sitting elected or appointed school board member who has been convicted of a felony.

“We want to ensure that public officers are upholding moral and legal obligations while occupying their position of employment, said Stemler.

“This legislation ensures that elected and appointed school board members who have been convicted of a felony can be removed from office, just as is the case with other convicted public officials.

“This is common sense public policy to strengthen the confidence with the general public,” he added.

Under House Bill 1335, a public officer shall not receive any salary or remuneration from the time the individual is removed from office.

House Bill 1335 was passed with a vote of 94-0 and now advances to the Senate for further legislative consideration and action.