SCA 17 Summary

• Allows suspension of legislative members by 2/3 vote of the house, separate from the existing expulsion power, through a motion or resolution entered in the journal with findings and declarations

• Suspended members are prohibited from exercising any rights, privileges, duties, or powers of office and cannot utilize legislative resources during the suspension period

• Permits the forfeited salary and benefits of suspended members for all or part of the suspension period by express provision in the suspension motion or resolution

• Suspension remains in effect until a specified end date in the original motion, or until a subsequent 2/3 vote motion terminating the suspension is adopted if no date was specified

• Proposes amendment to Section 5 of Article IV of the California Constitution to establish the suspension mechanism