Ex-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has agreed to sign off on the removal of his name from the June primary ballot.

A new bill being introduced to the state Senate would allow Democrats to do so.

Benjamin resigned just hours after he was indicted on five corruption-related charges that alleged he attempted to trade a state grant for campaign contributions.

Benjamin maintains his innocence but says he's stepping aside in good faith he'll be proven innocent.

"I fully expect to be exonerated of these false charges and look forward to serving my community again when that time happens. However, until that time comes I will not be able to serve. Making it unfair to the voters of this great state for me to remain on the ballot," he said. 

The new bill would allow for candidates to be removed from ballots in the event they have been arrested or charged with one or more misdemeanors or felonies any time after securing a nomination.

Right now, a candidate can only be removed from the ballot under narrow circumstances, such as leaving the state or dying.