Following recent ethics investigations and public corruption allegations involving members of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus, Senate Republicans are continuing their push for a package of legislation designed to strengthen ethics laws, increase transparency, and restore public trust in state government.
The renewed push comes after one House Democratic lawmaker resigned following an ethics investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct, and another was federally indicted on multiple felony charges, including wire fraud, false statements, and obstruction of justice.
The legislative package includes Senate Bill 3369, which strengthens Illinois’ bribery laws following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision; Senate Bill 3370, which strengthens the state’s revolving door restrictions; Senate Bill 3371, which prohibits lobbyists from offering anything of value in exchange for official action; and Senate Bill 3983, which prohibits state employees from receiving private compensation for work performed as part of their official duties.
The package also includes Senate Bill 3862, which expands Illinois’ RICO law and authorizes court-approved wiretaps for certain public corruption investigations; Senate Bill 3840, which creates a publicly searchable Public Corruption Registry; and Senate Bill 3984, which prohibits political committees from making payments to the immediate family members of candidates or officeholders.
State Senator Dave Syverson said Illinoisans deserve a government they can trust and that public office is a public trust, not an opportunity for personal gain. He said Senate Republicans are continuing to advocate for meaningful reforms that strengthen ethics laws, increase transparency, and provide prosecutors with additional tools to investigate public corruption.
He added that ethics reform should not be a partisan issue and urged the Democratic Majority to work with Senate Republicans to pass meaningful reforms that restore public confidence in Illinois government.