Mason Helps Pass Ethics Reform Package

GURNEE, Ill. – Legislation supported by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, to bring a variety of ethics reforms to Springfield passed out of the General Assembly last week. Senate Bill 539 now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for final approval.

“Cracking down on corruption and fighting for meaningful ethics reforms has always been one of my top priorities as a legislator,” Mason said. “From easily exploited lobbying loopholes to undue payouts to outgoing lawmakers, we needed to fundamentally change parts of our legislative process that are broken and have been misused by bad actors for far too long. The measure we approved last week puts a broad range of these unethical practices to rest and is a big step in the right direction toward cleaning up Springfield.”

Senate Bill 539 implements a broad range of lobbying and legislative reforms. Some of the reforms contained in Senate Bill 539 include increasing the length of time legislators must wait after leaving office before they may become lobbyists, banning the practice of hosting fundraisers for state-level elected officials on days the legislature is in session and expanding the investigative powers of the legislative inspector general. The measure also prorates lawmakers’ salaries, and it requires legislative consultants as well as local-level lobbyists to register in the state’s publicly accessible database of lobbyists.

“This legislation brings much-needed change to Springfield, but I know this cannot be where our push for ethics reform ends,” Mason said. “I am committed to continuing to fight for greater transparency, reform and accountability in every part of the capital until public trust in our state institutions is fully restored.”