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Committee backs bill restricting legislators from holding certain local offices; carve-outs for smallest jurisdictions
Summary
House Bill 362 would prohibit legislators from simultaneously serving in specified local offices except in very small jurisdictions; the committee passed the bill with a due-pass recommendation after debate about divided loyalties and constitutional concerns.
Representative Barbara Ehart (Representative, District 33) presented House Bill 362, a measure that would bar legislators from also serving as a mayor, city council member, school board member or certain highway-district offices in jurisdictions above stated population thresholds.
Ehart said the measure is aimed at avoiding divided loyalties and consolidation of power. The draft exempts cities with populations under 1,000, school districts with fewer than five students, and highway districts located in counties below the specified population threshold so small rural jurisdictions retain flexibility. The bill would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, allowing current dual-officeholders time to adjust.
Opponents argued the proposal would improperly restrict office-holding and could create unequal application across jurisdictions. "We already have the mechanism by which legislators can disclose or step aside from a vote where there might be a conflict or divided loyalties," Representative Achilles said. Representative Akiles warned the measure could be challenged constitutionally as creating new eligibility requirements.
Supporters said stepping aside from votes is not a full remedy for divided attention and consolidation of influence. The committee moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; a roll-call style confirmation of opposition recorded Representatives Green and Achilles as voting no on the motion to advance.
No public testimony opposed the bill at the hearing and the chair noted the bill will be before the floor next for further consideration.
