THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE REP BRANDON SCHWEIZER’S OFFICE
DANVILLE, IL… State Representative Brandun Schweizer is calling on House Democrats to advance a package of ethics reform legislation aimed at increasing transparency, strengthening accountability, and addressing public corruption in Illinois.
The package includes five bills:
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HB 1382: Allows the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) to issue subpoenas without prior approval and requires the Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions to release reports publicly within 60 days.
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HB 1385: Extends the prohibition on certain former elected officials and state department or administrative unit heads becoming lobbyists from six months to three years.
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HB 1554: Prohibits the use of campaign funds for criminal defense expenses related to alleged misconduct in an official capacity, including sexual harassment or discrimination.
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HB 1727: Suspends pension benefits for public officials charged with felonies connected to their public service and permanently withholds those benefits upon conviction.
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HB 2413: Prohibits legislators and constitutional officers from lobbying at the local level.
“Public trust in Illinois government cannot be restored with business as usual,” said Rep. Schweizer. “We need greater transparency, stronger accountability, and meaningful ethics reforms that help prevent future abuses of public office. I’m calling on my colleagues across the aisle to work with House Republicans to advance these bills and give Illinoisans the accountability they deserve.”
Schweizer is highlighting the package following a summer of ethics controversies and criminal allegations involving members of the Illinois House. Since July, a Democratic House member resigned following sexual harassment allegations and findings by the Legislative Inspector General’s Office. Another sitting House member was indicted alongside her husband, the Champaign County Clerk, on federal wire fraud and false-statement charges. A third representative faces allegations of sexual harassment and providing drugs to employees.
Despite bipartisan support for some measures, the bills remain in the House Rules Committee. Schweizer is urging House leadership to bring the legislation forward for consideration during the upcoming fall Veto Session.
“Illinoisans deserve a government that takes ethics seriously,” Schweizer said. “These bills provide an opportunity to move beyond promises and take concrete action. It’s time to bring them forward and let the House debate and vote on meaningful ethics reform.”
To check the status of the legislation, visit ilga.gov. For more information, contact Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com.
