Santa Fe, NM - Reps. Nate Gentry, joined by Democrat Sen. George Munoz, filed bipartisan legislation to increase penalties for public officials convicted of corruption.

The bill, HB 260, would increase the basic sentence for elected or appointed officials convicted of public corruption offenses by an additional year. The legislation would also bar the offender from lobbying or contracting with a state public entity.

"Corruption erodes the public's confidence in our ability to govern," Gentry said. "This bill sends a strong message that abuse of the public's trust will result in severe penalties."

The bill lists the offenses eligible for increased penalties. It includes embezzlement, soliciting an illegal kickback, and receiving a bribe. In addition, the bill would require all public entities to post notice of public corruption offenses and their penalties.

The proposal would also allow district attorneys or the Attorney General to request that officials convicted of public corruption offenses forfeit a portion of their state pensions. If passed, this provision would apply to pensions earned on or after July 1, 2016.