Part 2 - Ethical Principles For Legislators - Illinois Statutes

      (5 ILCS 420/Art. 3 Pt. 2 heading)PART 2. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR LEGISLATORS

(5 ILCS 420/3‑201) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑201)     Sec. 3‑201. Where feasible, and taking into account the fact that legislative service is part‑time, a legislator should avoid accepting or retaining an economic opportunity which presents a substantial threat to his independence of judgment. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 3401.)

(5 ILCS 420/3‑202) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑202)     Sec. 3‑202. When a legislator must take official action on a legislative matter as to which he has a conflict situation created by a personal, family, or client legislative interest, he should consider the possibility of eliminating the interest creating the conflict situation. If that is not feasible, he should consider the possibility of abstaining from such official action. In making his decision as to abstention, the following factors should be considered;     a. whether a substantial threat to his independence of judgment has been created by the conflict situation;     b. the effect of his participation on public confidence in the integrity of the legislature;     c. whether his participation is likely to have any significant effect on the disposition of the matter;     d. the need for his particular contribution, such as special knowledge of the subject matter, to the effective functioning of the legislature.     He need not abstain if he decides to participate in a manner contrary to the economic interest which creates the conflict situation.     If he does abstain, he should disclose that fact to his respective legislative body. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 3401.)

(5 ILCS 420/3‑203) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑203)     Sec. 3‑203. When, despite the existence of a conflict situation, a legislator chooses to take official action on a matter, he should serve the public interest, and not the interest of any person. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 3401.)

(5 ILCS 420/3‑204) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑204)     Sec. 3‑204. No legislator should accept a representation case unless he believes there is merit to the position he is asked to represent. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 3401.)

(5 ILCS 420/3‑205) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑205)     Sec. 3‑205. A legislator participating in a representation case shall, wherever feasible, arrange for other persons to make appearances before the State agency. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 3401.)

(5 ILCS 420/3‑206) (from Ch. 127, par. 603‑206)     Sec. 3‑206.     Sections 3‑201 through 3‑205 are intended only as guides to legislator conduct, and not as rules meant to be enforced by disciplinary action. (Source: P.A. 77‑1806.)