SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The House has overwhelmingly approved a measure ease access to disclosure requirements for lobbyists who try to influence the General Assembly.
Debate lasted more than an hour before the 109-5 vote. It would create a searchable database that allows taxpayers to cross-reference information about lobbyists, their clients, campaign contributions, interaction with legislators and their statements of economic interest.
The action stems from last month’s federal bribery charge against former Rep. Luis Arroyo. The Chicago Democrat resigned after he was charged with trying to bribe a senator for support of an issue about which Arroyo was also lobbying the Chicago City Council.
Republicans decried a move by majority Democrats to scuttle a provision to strengthen the economic interest statements. They’re roundly derided for their broad, vague questions that reveal little about lawmakers or executive branch members’ financial interests.
Majority Leader Greg Harris says that issue should be left to a commission that will be created to suggest other changes.
The bill is SB1639.
