Bill would allow expulsion of elected officials, political candidates

State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) is authoring legislation to ensure consistent qualifications for candidates appointed to public office, while also improving the procedures for expulsion or vacancy of elected officials in rare cases.

"This legislation is designed to add consistency, maintain the integrity of public service and ensure public trust is upheld,” Lawson said. “Our district has so many dedicated elected officials working hard to fulfill the responsibilities they were elected to carry out. Hoosiers deserve candidates for office and elected officials who are able and accountable to perform the duties of their elected offices."

The legislation would require candidates selected for a temporary appointment to an office to meet the same qualifications required for election to the office.

The legislation also creates a removal procedure for county commissioners in rare cases of violating an official duty, or failing or being unable to perform the duties of the office, with a two-thirds vote of the county commissioners and county council members. This is similar to the existing removal process currently in the law for county council members, state legislators and other offices.

He encourages all constituents to share their thoughts and input on this important legislation and highly values community feedback to ensure that the proposed measures reflect the needs and priorities of House District 53.

House Bill 1197 unanimously passed the House Elections and Apportionment Committee with bipartisan support on Wednesday.