Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced legislation that would limit the outside income of state legislators in order to help restore the public trust.

“Putting a limit on outside income is a key reform we need to restore the public’s trust in state government. We are elected to serve the people and it’s essential that we take steps to eliminate distractions and outside influences,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

The legislation proposed by Santabarbara would mirror existing limitations on members of Congress, which are set at 15 percent of gross legislative pay and restricts types of outside employment, such as a ban on work that could compromise the integrity of serving in a legislative position. State legislators would face penalties and fines from the Legislative Ethics Commission if they exceed their limit or falsify financial statements.

“Limiting outside income will serve as a reminder to the people that we are only working for them and not pursuing competing interests,” Santabarbara added.

Santabarbara is also supporting proposals to increase disclosure requirements for outside employment, require campaign funds to be used solely for political campaigns and to strip pension benefits from lawmakers convicted of a felony.

“These are common sense reforms that all state legislators should consider supporting. I encourage my colleagues to stand with me on the side of good government,” Santabarbara added.