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Committee backs change to public-corruption timing, setting a 10-year window after officials leave office
Summary
Sen. Miguez's SB 207 would allow prosecution of certain public-offense conduct by elected officials or public employees up to 10 years after they leave office; the sponsor and chairman agreed to replace language that removed the statute of limitations entirely with a 10-year post-office window and the committee reported the bill with amendments.
Sen. Miguez told the Judiciary Committee SB 207 seeks to allow prosecution of public-offense conduct by elected officials or public employees who used their office to conceal wrongdoing. The bill's original language would have eliminated the statute of limitations for the covered offenses; after committee discussion, the sponsor accepted an amendment to set a 10-year limitations period that begins when the official leaves office.
Members asked about the basis for 10 years; the sponsor said it was a practical, even-number compromise to give prosecutors time after officials leave office to pursue complex corruption cases. Committee members voiced concern that removing limitations entirely could be unfair and raised questions about witness availability and due-process protections; the sponsor and chairman said staff would work on language to balance fairness and prosecutorial opportunity.
The committee adopted amendment set 902 and reported SB 207 with amendments. The amendment changes the effect from an unlimited removal to a 10-year extension after leaving office, per the sponsor's agreement.
