Illinois State Senate District 41 issued the following announcement on Nov. 5.
Senator Curran is co-sponsoring new legislation to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government by ensuring independent investigations of members of the General Assembly.
Currently, except in cases alleging sexual harassment, the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) must get advance approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC) before opening an investigation into allegations against a member of the General Assembly, or issuing subpoenas. If, during the investigation, the LIG discovers wrongdoing that is beyond the scope of, or unrelated to the initial complaint, they have to go back to the LEC to get approval to investigate further.
Some have described the situation as something like "the fox guarding the henhouse."
Under Senate Bill 2297, the LIG would be able to investigate complaints against legislators and issue subpoenas without approval from the LEC. By taking politicians out of the equation, the Legislative Inspector General will have the independence necessary to do his or her job.
This reform wouldn’t be seen as the end of the road, but instead as the beginning of a more comprehensive conversation about what can be done to restore honesty and integrity to Springfield.
However, while that conversation takes place, Senate Bill 2297 is a simple, effective reform that should garner broad, bipartisan support.
When the fall veto session continues on Nov. 12, Curran is hopeful that legislators will come together to pass this important legislation and then begin a more extensive conversation about what else can be done to restore honesty and integrity to Springfield.
Ethylene Oxide ban advances
The Illinois House passed legislation to ban Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions from medical sterilizers in populated areas by 2021. House Bill 3888 also limits emissions of the dangerous EtO gas from other sources in remote areas as well.
The legislation was initially proposed after news that Sterigenics planned to re-open in Willowbrook. While the company has since announced its intentions to leave the area, largely due to pressure from community organizations including "Stop Sterigenics," the new bill will help protect communities across the state from similar dangers in the future.
Senator Curran plans to co-sponsor the legislation in the Senate and hopes to pass it during the second week of the fall veto session.
First week of veto session wraps up
Members of the Illinois General Assembly just wrapped up the first week of the annual fall veto session.
The Illinois Senate passed bills to ban public vaping indoors in the same areas that are banned for smoking, and failed to override Governor Pritzker's veto of another bill that would have protected health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. Meanwhile, the Illinois House advanced a measure to allow college athletes to make money from their name, image and/or likeness.
The Illinois General Assembly returns for the final week of the fall veto session on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Original source can be found here.
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