The legislation prevents the hiring in any government position whether they plead guilty in Mississippi, another state or in federal court.JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
All too often we see public employees arrested and convicted of embezzling and later have their records expunged. Right now those same people can find employment in another government position.
State legislators are working to prevent that from happening.
According State Senator Will Longwitz, there were seven recent cases of public employees investigated by the state auditor who were convicted of embezzlement and were later re-hired by the state or are eligible for hire.
Longwitz has introduced Senate Bill 2625 which is aimed at ending what he calls the cycle of public corruption. Currently public employees convicted of or who have admitted to embezzling can get jobs with the state.
"You can't just get a slap on the wrist and go back to what you were doing. If you steal from the public, that crime ought to follow you for the rest of your life. You should not be allowed to get your record wiped clean just so you can go do it again," said Longwitz.
Those previously charged or convicted are in positions ranging from circuit clerks to court employees and even Homeland Security. House Judiciary Chairman, Representative Andy Gipson, said they want to close loopholes in the court system.
"We need to make sure there's a stiff penalty for that. This bill is gonna make sure that they don't get off scott free. It basically prohibits non-adjudication and it allows for the proper prosecution and penalties to be imposed," said Gipson.
The legislation prevents the hiring in any government position whether they plead guilty in Mississippi, another state or in federal court.
If approved it would go into effect July 1. Lawmakers in both chambers expect the bill to be passed by the Wednesday deadline.
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