Slaughter-Backed Ethics Reform Bill Passes Both Houses

CHICAGO – To help restore trust in state government, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will strengthen Illinois’ ethics laws governing public officials and lobbyists.

“As public servants, elected officials should act in the best interest of the communities they represent, not themselves or powerful lobbyists with too much influence,” said Slaughter. “I am committed to fighting for regulations that increase transparency and accountability for everyone involved in the legislative process.”

Slaughter voted in favor of Senate Bill 539, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly in a strong showing of bipartisan support for ethics reform. The legislation implements a variety of changes to lobbying practices under the Statehouse dome, including increasing the length of time legislators must wait after leaving office before they may become lobbyists and requiring local-level lobbyists and consultants to register with the Secretary of State’s office. The measure also increases the autonomy of the legislative inspector general to investigate allegations of misconduct brought against lawmakers.

“For far too long, corruption has been a serious problem in Springfield,” said Slaughter. “This legislation takes meaningful steps to raise ethical standards and chart a new course for Illinois government, but it is only the first piece of an ongoing effort to achieve comprehensive ethics reform.”