SB 3656

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Repeals various provisions of the Code of Conduct Article of the Act. In the Part of that Article concerning rules of conduct for legislators, adds criminal penalties for intentional violations. In the Part of that Article concerning ethical principles for legislators, replaces provisions concerning conflicts of interest with provisions prohibiting legislators from taking specified actions with regard to matters in which they are financially interested. Moves provisions prohibiting a legislator from engaging in conduct which is unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust from the Part concerning rules of conduct to the Part concerning ethical principles for legislators. Deletes language stating that the provisions of the Part concerning ethical principles for legislators are intended only as guides to legislator conduct, and adds language to that Part providing that it shall be enforced by disciplinary action and that administrative fines may be levied by the Legislative Ethics Commission under specified circumstances. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to provide that a Legislative Inspector General shall investigate specified matters under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Makes other changes.