Bill > SB1356

This bill creates the Video Gaming Ethics and Political Contributions Prohibition Act, which aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest in the video gaming industry by restricting political contributions. Specifically, the bill prohibits video game terminal operators, landlords, property owners, their board of directors, investors, and immediate family members from making political contributions to municipal or county officials responsible for issuing gaming licenses or to political action committees supporting such officials. The prohibition applies for 10 years from the date of license issuance and requires entities receiving gaming benefits to annually disclose the names of directors, employees, investors, landlords, and their family members who benefit from the license. The bill mandates that political organizations maintain records of these contributions and imposes significant penalties for violations, including civil fines up to $100,000, potential license suspension or revocation, and ineligibility for future gaming licenses. Officials who knowingly accept prohibited contributions may face ethics investigations, potential removal from office, and criminal penalties. The Illinois Gaming Board, State Board of Elections, and Ethics Commission are tasked with enforcing the act, with the Attorney General empowered to prosecute violations, ultimately seeking to promote transparency and integrity in the relationship between the video gaming industry and local government.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1356&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104