SPRINGFIELD ––The Illinois House of Representatives today approved legislation initiated by Secretary of State Jesse White to grant his Inspector General additional resources and powers to root out corruption.
"I want to ensure that highway safety is never compromised by people who violate the public's trust," said White. "I'm pleased this measure was approved nearly unanimously by the House of Representatives. It sends a strong message that we will do whatever it takes to root out corruption and protect public safety."
White's proposal, House Bill 201, would:
- Statutorily mandate the position of Inspector General be filled upon consent by the Illinois Senate
Require the Inspector General to report directly to the Secretary of State
Provide the Inspector General with subpoena powers and access to all records necessary to an investigation
Create a Class A misdemeanor for anyone who fails to cooperate with an investigation or provides false testimony
Provide inspectors in the Inspector General's office with police powers
Protect employees from any reprisal for disclosing information to the Inspector General
Require the Inspector General to adopt rules and regulations establishing minimum requirements for initiating, conducting and completing investigations
"This proposal will provide our department with the tools necessary for our investigations," said White's Inspector General Jim Burns. "I thank members of the House of Representatives for assisting in our efforts to conduct investigations in a professional, efficient and thorough manner."
House Bill 201 is sponsored by State Representative Steve Davis (D-Bethalto). The measure now awaits Senate approval.
