There is just on state ballot proposition on the June 7th Primary ballot. Proposition 50 is a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to suspend a member WITHOUT pay or benefits. Placement of the measure was overwhelmingly approved, with bi-partisan support, including from Nevada County’s Assemblyman, Brian Dahle. He says it comes in response to the corruption arrests of three State Senate members in 2014, which was unprecedented….

click to listen to Assemblyman Dahle

And unlike current rules, which allow a simple majority of the affected house to suspend a member, Dahle says Proposition 50 would require a two-thirds vote, along with an explanation of the reason for the suspension. It would also typically required the same vote to end the suspension…

click to listen to Assemblyman Dahle

State Senator Rod Wright had already been convicted before his suspension, but he was appealed it. The appeal failed and he was sentenced to 90 days in jail. He resigned just days later, six months after he was suspended. State Senators Leland Yee and Ron Calderon’s cases hadn’t been resolved, but they were termed out at the end of 2014. It was the first time any legislator had been suspended.