Sen. Gillespie Ethics Reform Package Certified

Press release from ILGA:

Oct. 14, 2021

Illinois’ first comprehensive ethics package in over a decade, introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), was certified by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday.

“This measure offers bipartisan solutions to target some of the worst abuses of power in our state’s history,” Gillespie said. “Our plan closes many of the loopholes that have allowed bad actors to game the system for decades.”

The new law makes several ethics reforms including prohibiting elected officials from lobbying other units of government, closing the Consultant Loophole which allowed lobbyists to avoid disclosure, prohibiting all political fundraisers during legislative session, prohibiting salaried appointees from serving as an officer for a political committee and pro-rating the salaries of General Assembly members who leave office prior to the end of their term.

The measure also strengthens the Statement of Economic Interest, a document that declares the assets that a candidate holds and how they may be a conflict of interest; allows the Legislative Inspector General to open an investigation without the approval of the General Assembly; creates a statewide lobbyist database; and establishes a six-month revolving door ban.

“Our bipartisan team on the Senate Ethics Committee stands ready to continue this vital work to make our government work for everyone, not just a powerful few,” Gillespie said.

Public Act 102-0664 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

This press release was produced by ILGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.