Illinois Senate Panel Blocks Lobbyist Ethics Bills

Legislation to prevent cozy relationships between lawmakers and lobbyists has been squashed by an Illinois Senate panel.

The measures would have required officials to disclose family members who are lobbyists. Legislators also would have been barred from becoming lobbyists for one year after serving, and they couldn't negotiate for lobbying jobs while still in public office.

The measures were buried Friday in a subcommittee controlled by Senate Democrats.

The sponsor says he isn't giving up. Republican Sen. Darin LaHood of Dunlap hopes to find a Democrat willing to sponsor his legislation.

LaHood says the measures would make the state more transparent and start to clean up Illinois' reputation for corrupt government.

The bills are SB3646, SB3647, SB3648 and SB3649.