Exterior of the New York state Capitol on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

The reputation of the New York Legislature has suffered major blows over the past several decades, with numerous members accused and/or convicted of corruption in connection with financial dealings that conflicted with their official duties. Such activities — even the appearance of or the potential for such activities — are a betrayal of the public trust. They undermine our confidence in government, and they breed cynicism and contempt for our political leaders and institutions.

It was with this in mind that lawmakers passed a law in 2022 to put a $35,000-per-year ceiling on income for private work. The restriction was intended to mitigate at least the appearance of personal conflicts of interest based on other legislators’ other employment.

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No surprise: The income limit was immediately challenged in........

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