TRENTON Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney says he will introduce legislation in the fall that would suspend any local elected official who has been indicted on serious charges.

Those facing forfeiture of office should they be convicted would be affected by this proposed measure, according to Sweeney, D-3, of West Deptford.

"Serving in government isn't a fundamental right, but a privilege which is forfeited when someone crosses the line and abuses the public trust," said Sweeney. "Elected officials cannot effectively carry out the people's business from under a black cloud of suspicion and must step aside when charges are levied against them.

"If these public officials will not do the right thing and step down, the state needs a way to force them from office until they can clear their names."

The recent arrests of 44 people, including more than two dozen public officials linked in a sweeping corruption probe, led to Sweeney's proposal.

It has shaken the public's faith in their elected officials, according to Sweeney.

"Rather than go back to the business-as-usual model of allowing elected officials to continue to make decisions affecting the public, we need an alternative," said Sweeney.

The bill, which is similar to one proposed in 2002 by then-Sen. George Geist, would issue an order suspending any local elected official facing forfeiture of office. It could be without pay if there is a hearing on the matter.

This would remain until the official is either convicted or cleared of the charges. They could get back-pay if found not guilty.

The measure would only apply to local officials. To take such an action against a state legislator would require an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution.

"The law needs to be changed," said Sweeney.