Bill Allowing Public Employees to Run for Office Advances Over Bolques’ Objection
The debate on a measure to ease restrictions on public sector workers wishing to seek elective office continued in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Thursday. The conversation on the subject became heated at times, just as it was during the initial discussion on the matter.
2026-01-09 14:51:33 - VI News Staff
Last heard in the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection in October 2025, Bill 36-0134, sponsored by Senator Marise James, seeks to allow government employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws. When the measure was last heard, the Division of Personnel was not available for live testimony and thus was invited to do so by Rules committee chair Senator Carla Joseph.
Cindy Richardson, director of the Division of Personnel, told lawmakers that the bill is a “meaningful and necessary step toward ensuring equitable access.” The measure, she said, aligns with DOP’s “obligation to ensure fair, consistent and equitable employment practices across the government service.” According to Ms. Richardson, the bill corrects a framework that has “historically discouraged or prevented employees from seeking elective office due to financial hardship and restrictive leave policies.”
She assured that the Division will “issue guidance to agency heads clarifying permissible and prohibitive political activities during work hours and the appropriate handling of potential conflicts of interest.” The DOP also recommends a communication and training campaign to ensure “uniform understanding among employees and supervisors once enacted.”