Politics on the Hudson

    Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. just announced legislation he is proposing that would require immediate expulsion for any lawmaker who was convicted of certain “egregious” Class A misdemeanors. They include third-degree assault; sexual misconduct; second-degree sexual abuse; fifth-degree arson; second-degree aggravated harassment involving physical contact; endangering the welfare of a chid; and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled bill.

   “By ratifying this proposed bill, we would eliminate vague language and strengthen the current Public Officers Law, as well as obviate the need for burdensome and costly investigatory and administrative procedures,” Espada said.

   Espada said the bill would not be retroactive or in any way affect what is being contemplated for Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, who was convicted of misdemeanor assault on his girlfriend. Senators are considering a vote to expel or to censure Monserrate this week. State Public Officers law requires immediate expulsion for any member convicted of a felony. It is open to interpretation for a misdemeanor, according to Espada, who wants to clarify that area of the law.

   Monserrate was found not guilty in connection with the domestic-violence incident in December 2008. He took office in January 2009. Espada said his legislation would be for actions committed after the legislator took office. In the case of Monserrate, they wouldn’t apply.

   Espada, a member of the informal legislative group the “amigos” with Monserrate and others, said he does not plan to vote for expulsion. Asked if he would approve a censure of his colleague, he said he had not seen a resolution to do that and would have to see how it was worded before deciding how he would act.