SPRINGFIELD, IL -Today, the Illinois State Senate passed ethics legislation to prohibit contractors and their affiliates from making contributions to statewide officials in charge of awarding their contracts. The legislation increases disclosure requirements and toughens penalties for violating the act.

"Recent events have shown why this legislation is necessary," said State Senator Frerichs (D-Champaign), who co-sponsored the legislation. "I believe that this legislation will show the citizens of Illinois that we are determined to end 'pay-to-play' politics."

House Bill 824 bans businesses that have state contracts of over $50,000 from making political contributions to the statewide officeholder who awarded the contract for two years after the end of the contract or the end of the officeholder's term, whichever is longer. The bill also bans contributions for the officeholder's declared challengers for the same period. Additionally, businesses with pending bids and proposals are prohibited from making contributions to the officeholder making the decision.

"It is important to shine light on contributions made by companies to political committees," said Senator Frerichs. "I have always believed that an open process is fundamental to our system of government. More disclosure allows voters to make a more informed decision when choosing the leaders which will govern them."

The legislation requires those businesses and their affiliates to report all political contributions. House Bill 824 also requires businesses to register with the State Board of Elections before they are allowed to bid on a contract. The Illinois State Board of Elections will post contributions online in a searchable database. The legislation also requires businesses to notify political committees that they have received a state contract.

"The penalties imposed are equally as important as the new regulations that will be put in place," said Senator Frerichs. "These new penalties will be a strong deterrent to anyone who tries to evade the law."

According to the legislation, violations of this act would void the contract the business holds. Three violations by a business in three years would permanently ban them from bidding for contracts. Additionally, any banned contribution received would be contributed to state funds.

House Bill 824 now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can proceed to the Governor to be signed into law.