Collins-Backed Ethics Reform Signed into Law

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, is applauding the signing of comprehensive ethics legislation to increase transparency and crackdown on corruption statewide.

“The people of Illinois deserve to know that elected officials are being held accountable to strong ethical standards,” said Collins, “Illinoisans deserve to have faith in their government and these reforms lay the groundwork for increased accountability for elected officials, which will help build trust in government.”

Senate Bill 539 went back to the House in September due to changes requested by the governor. The bipartisan legislation contained reforms to strengthen financial disclosure requirements and limit the ability of elected officials to transition to lobbying immediately after leaving their service. The ethics reforms were signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.

“Elected officials are supposed to serve their communities, not their own self-interests at the expense of those that elected them,” Collins said. “These reforms will bring more transparency and accountability to Springfield to help ensure that elected leaders are serving the best interests of the people of Illinois.”