California lawmaker files 'DUPE Act' amid George Santos controversy

By Ashley Zavala

Excerpted from KCRA 3

"As controversy continues to consume New York Congressman George Santos at the nation's capital, an effort is underway at the state capitol to try to deter any elected official in California from duping voters.

Democratic State Sen. Josh Newman this week filed the DUPE Act, or the Disqualified Unscrupulous Pathological Elected Act, following reports Santos lied to voters about his heritage, work and education experience, and other aspects of his life.

"The irony is if you applied for a job or you applied for a loan from the bank, you would be dismissed from the job immediately or potential prosecution for misrepresenting something on a loan and yet you can get elected to congress," Newman said. "Once you're elected, there's not much that anybody can do."

Newman's bill would require candidates seeking any elective office in California to submit work, education and military experience to the Secretary of State's office under penalty of disqualification and removal from office. Newman said the bill penalizes candidates who lie with potential criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor offense under the Political Reform Act.

Candidates in California are already required to fill out forms that attest to basic information such as their full legal name, street address, the office they intend to run for and their political party preference, along with disclosures about their personal income and assets. Candidates sign these forms under penalty of perjury.

California joins some cities and counties across the country that are considering taking similar action.

Some political experts said it's unlikely a similar measure would be introduced at the federal level."

Read the full article here.