Illinois Senate Bill SB0128

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Refer: 1/24/23
• Refer: 1/31/23
• Refer: 3/10/23

Caption

ETHICS-EXECUTIVE OFFICIALS

Impact

The bill’s enactment would enhance ethical standards and transparency in state governance by clearly delineating the period during which former officers cannot engage with lobbyists. This is a significant shift that aims to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and ensure that former officials do not leverage their past governmental roles for immediate monetary gain from lobbying entities. The amendment applies specifically to executive branch constitutional officers terminating their service on or after the bill’s effective date, creating a structured pathway for ethical compliance post-tenure.

Summary

SB0128, introduced by Senator Jil Tracy during the 103rd General Assembly, seeks to amend the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. The key provision of the bill is to impose a prohibition on former executive branch constitutional officers from receiving compensation or fees for services from entities required to register under the Lobbyist Registration Act for a period of six months after their term of service ends. This amendment is aimed at reducing the influence of lobbying in state government by creating a cooling-off period for officials transitioning out of public office.

Contention

While the proposed changes have garnered support for promoting accountability in public service, they are not without criticism. Some detractors argue that such restrictions could deter qualified individuals from pursuing public office due to the potential limitations on their professional future. Others express concern about the administrative burden that monitoring compliance with these restrictions may impose on state agencies. Consequently, the discourse surrounding SB0128 reflects a broader tension between ethical governance and the practical considerations of recruiting talented public servants.