By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News

(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a measure that will increase independence in the investigation of legislative ethics complaints in Illinois. This new law, which makes significant reforms to the Legislative Ethics Commission and Office of the Legislative Inspector General, changes the process of handling ethics complaints to provide those who would come forward greater confidence that their concerns will be reviewed in a timely, transparent manner.

“This bill is a victory for the heroic women who have stepped forward to take on the culture of fear, abuse and retaliation that permeates too much of state government. Illinoisans should applaud this improvement and champion the women who stood up to Illinois’ political power structure in order to make this change happen.” Rauner said in his signing message. “Through their courageous words and actions, they have declared that the culture in Springfield must change.”

State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) sponsored the bill.

“This is a vitally important first step in ensuring claims of sexual harassment and discrimination are taken seriously and investigated properly,” said Bush, Co-Chair of the Senate Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention Task Force. “We know our current culture won’t change overnight. But unless we take a stand and say ‘Time’s Up’, nothing will change in Springfield.”

House Bill 138 makes several changes to the Legislative Ethics Commission and the Legislative Inspector General, including but not limited to:

– Allows the Legislative Inspector General to investigate claims independently, without first getting approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission;

– Better defined and transparent reporting of complaints at the Commission and before the Inspector General;

– Requires that the Commission shall appoint an Acting Inspector General with 45 days;

– Creates a backstop so that if an extended vacancy occurs in the office of the LIG, the Inspector General for the Auditor General would have jurisdiction over the complaints;

– Creates a search committee composed of former judges and prosecutors who will search for and recommend inspector general candidates to the Ethics Commission;

– Requires a public hearing and opportunity for public input before the adoption of any new commission rules;

– Allows the Inspector General for the Secretary of State, through the Attorney General, to file complaints with the Executive Ethics Commission regarding lobbyist sexual harassment;

– Allows the EEC to suspend the registration of a lobbyist or lobbying entity for which the lobbyist is employed for up to three years if the lobbyist violates the sexual harassment prohibition;

– Extends statute of limitations for filing a discrimination or sexual harassment claim with the Department of Human Rights from 180 days to 300 days.

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