Toughen conflict-of-interest disclosure rules for Illinois lawmakers by passing this bill

Some enjoy the romance of history. Others prefer tales of adventure. But in Illinois, we are known for something else — corruption. From 1983 to 2023, our state averaged more than one corruption conviction a week at the federal, state and local levels, according to an analysis of U.S. Justice Department data by the Illinois Policy Institute.

This isn't an accident. It is a failure by design.

Most people view democracy as a solid, immovable structure. After helping write House Bill 2795, an ethics bill aimed at forcing conflict-of-interest disclosures for legislators in the Illinois General Assembly, I've learned democracy is far more delicate. It's a contact sport. It requires active participation, clear rules and a referee with the authority to blow the whistle. Unfortunately, our legislators have let the guardrails rust.

Hit the flux capacitor, Marty, and let's go back in time: The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act was passed in 1967, back when a first-class stamp cost 5 cents and the Sears Tower didn't exist.

Since then, we've only seen two significant updates. One was the creation of the office of the legislative inspector general. This office is designed to police the legislative branch, yet it has failed to do so. Upon her resignation, former Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope famously called the office a "paper tiger." She was right.

The Illinois legislative inspector general lacks the power to launch independent investigations or even receive disclosures directly. Furthermore, the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act fails to define a "conflict of interest," merely stating a legislator "should consider the possibility" of eliminating one. In Springfield, a suggestion is effectively a green light. No bite equals a paper tiger. Perhaps the reason we have had so many corruption convictions is because we lack the oversight needed to stop them.

While Illinois remains stagnant, other states have recognized "trust me" is not a policy. At least 40 states have laws limiting what a legislator can vote on when a conflict arises. Some force recusal; others allow the inspectors general or other ethics officials to issue formal advisory opinions. This seems like common sense to anyone reading. Apparently, it's not so common in our state.

Illinois, meanwhile, asks for a three-page statement of economic interest that reveals next to nothing. This is a document the legislative inspector general cannot even legally look into.

You can find your representatives' disclosures on the Illinois secretary of state's website and see for yourself. Read the inspector general’s quarterly reports, and you'll find "miscellaneous" claims while voters remain in the dark. This begs the question: Where do these disclosures go, and why isn't the inspector general authorized to independently examine them?

Pass a law with teeth

Tired of watching from the sidelines, I put on my helmet and got on the field. I've spent the last several years as a private citizen and business owner meeting with the House, Senate and inspector general to resolve this.

It has been a privilege to work with legislators who admitted they needed "air support." Together, we drafted what I believe is the most comprehensive overhaul of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act in decades: House Bill 2795.

Our team has worked tirelessly to garner 15 bipartisan co-sponsors. This bill finally defines a conflict of interest and mandates disclosure. It gives the inspector general the authority to review those disclosures and issue public advisory opinions. It allows our state to finally police itself.

Despite this, the legislative branch has failed to even assign the bill to the Ethics Committee this session.

Democracy is not a butterfly-catching contest. It's a struggle for the integrity of our home. Proper governance requires an audit, not an "option to consider." If we continue to let elected officials act at their sole discretion, the system fails.

It is time for House Speaker Chris Welch to reassign House Bill 2795 to the Ethics Committee, push for a subject matter hearing and get it to the floor for a vote. My neighbors have seen enough paper tigers. It's time to give the watchdog a whistle and get in the game.

Michael Sparrow is a Chicago-based advocate for government transparency and the primary catalyst behind Team FRWRD, a small Chicago-based grassroots movement of volunteers advocating for government reform and an end to systemic corruption in Illinois and the federal government.