Inspector: State ethics law has no teeth

SPRINGFIELD — The man in charge of investigating misconduct by Illinois lawmakers says the state needs a tougher ethics law.

Legislative Inspector General Tom Homer calls the law “toothless” when it comes to conflicts of interest, such as legislators voting on bills that might help them financially. Homer said Friday there are no penalties and no mechanism to probe violations.

Homer is calling on lawmakers to allow investigations of potential conflicts. If misconduct is found, he wants lawmakers to face public censure and fines.

The former judge and legislator also says lawmakers should be required to give the public more information about financial ties that might affect their decisions.

Lawmakers have recently strengthened ethics laws in other areas, such as restricting gifts and barring political work on state time.