summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Modifies the definition of "representation case" to include matters before units of local government. Provides that no legislator or employee of a governmental entity may accept or participate in any way in any representation case if the State or unit of local government is an adverse party or if the result is an adverse effect on State or local revenue, State or local finances, or the health, safety, welfare, or relative tax burden of any State resident. Prohibits (rather than allows) participation in a representation case by a person with whom a legislator maintains a close economic association. Provides that no legislator or employee of a governmental entity may derive any income, compensation, or other tangible benefit from providing opinion evidence as an expert against the interests of the State or a unit of local government in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding before any administrative agency or court. Provides that a legislator shall officially recuse himself or herself from any legislative matter in which the legislator or his or her spouse or immediate family member has a financial interest and shall include in the recusal a written explanation for the recusal. Makes conforming and other changes.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act to expand and strengthen ethics rules for legislators and government employees. It broadens the definition of a "representation case" to include matters before local government units, and prohibits legislators from participating in cases where the state or local government is an adverse party or where the outcome could negatively impact state or local revenues, finances, or the health, safety, and welfare of state residents. The bill now strictly forbids (rather than previously allowing with some conditions) participation in representation cases where a legislator has a close economic association. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that prevent legislators and government employees from earning income or benefits by providing expert testimony against state or local government interests in judicial or administrative proceedings. The legislation also mandates that legislators must officially recuse themselves from legislative matters where they, their spouse, or immediate family members have a financial interest, and they must provide a written explanation for such recusals. These changes aim to increase transparency, prevent conflicts of interest, and protect the integrity of governmental decision-making.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Blaine Wilhour (R)*,
Jason Bunting (R),
David Friess (R),
Charlie Meier (R),
Kevin Schmidt (R),
Dave Severin (R),
Dan Ugaste (R),
Travis Weaver (R),
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jason R. Bunting (on 04/08/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3121&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3121.htm |
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