A package of anti-corruption bills were introduced in the Illinois Senate: one prohibits lawmakers from using campaign money to pay for legal defense, another fines felonious politicians $100,000 and one takes away their specialty license plates.
A trio of bills that would punish state lawmakers accused of felonies while in office were introduced by state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport.
- Senate Bill 1687: Prohibits General Assembly members from paying lawyers, expert witnesses and investigators through political committees. Lawmakers can currently use political donations to pay for their legal defenses.
- Senate Bill 2137: Implements a $100,000 fine for legislators convicted of using their General Assembly office to commit a felony.
- Senate Bill 1662: Strips retired lawmakers or constitutional officers of their specialty license plates if convicted of a felony related to their official duties.
“You shouldn’t use your campaign accounts to defend yourself, you shouldn’t have retired plates if you’re convicted of corruption, and if you do wrong stuff, you should pay a heavy fine,” Chesney said.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has used more than $8.5 million in campaign funds to pay for his legal defense against federal corruption charges.
Madigan is still collecting a state pension.
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