Legislation that would let county leaders remove assessors or treasurers if they are under indictment is set to be introduced by one lawmaker in the next session.
The bill, authored by Rep. Anthony Kern (R-Glendale) would allow the county board to fire an indicted official if there is support of two-thirds of members, according to a report in the Arizona Capitol Times.
But the proposed legislation is already facing push back from other lawmakers concerned that the firing would happen following indictment rather than conviction, thereby clashing with the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
State Rep. Anthony Kern
The issue is front and center following the arrest of Maricopa County Assessor Paul Peterson, who is charged with breaking both state and federal laws in his running of an international adoption service. He is currently federally detained and unable to carry out his duties.
Supervisors, however, currently cannot sack a treasurer or assessor unless they are convicted on charges of willful or corrupt misconduct, the Times notes.
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