Lawmakers pass bill stopping pensions for felons

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers have passed legislation giving the attorney general more power to stop state pension payments to felons.

The Senate approved the measure by a 51-0 vote Thursday. The House approved the measure last month.

The legislation gives the attorney general the ability to intervene to halt pension payments to anyone convicted of a felony related to his or her public service.

The Illinois Supreme Court in July upheld a lower court's ruling Attorney General Lisa Madigan couldn't challenge a Chicago police pension board decision allowing former police Cmdr. Jon Burge to keep his pension. Burge was convicted of lying about torturing suspects.

State Rep. Elaine Nekritz of Northbrook is a bill co-sponsor. She says the legislation will prevent another case similar to Burge's from happening.