By KRWG News
Santa Fe, NM – The legislation by Republican Rep. Nate Gentry of Albuquerque will toughen penalties for a corruption conviction, adding one year to the prison sentence for crimes such as embezzlement or receiving a bribe. A public official also could lose their pension if convicted of corruption. A court proceeding will determine whether retirement benefits are forfeited.
Under current law, former state Treasurer Robert Vigil was able to continue receiving his state pension despite a conviction of attempted extortion.
The House unanimously approved the bill on Wednesday and sent it to the Senate for consideration.