Simply filling the vacancy in the Legislative Inspector General’s office is not enough. This is our chance to update our state’s ethics laws, empower the new inspector general, and restore public confidence in the Illinois General Assembly.
House Republicans have numerous anti-corruption measures ready to go, along with new laws that would strengthen the office of the inspector general and improve accountability. Including:
✅ HB 1382 (Spain) – Allows Legislative Inspector General to issue subpoenas without prior approval and requires the Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions to release the reports to the public within 60 days
✅ HB 1554 (McCombie) – Prohibits use of campaign funds for a criminal defense related to misconduct in capacity as a public official, any claims of sexual harassment, or any claims of discrimination
✅ HB 1727 (Elik) – Suspends pension benefits to public officials if they’re charged with a felony connected to their public service, and permanently withholds these funds upon conviction
These bills can and should be taken up during this Veto Session.