SPRINGFIELD – To restore public trust in local government officials, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring a measure alongside Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), to create a process to place local officials on administrative leave for those accused of violating their oath.

“This will ensure that when criminal charges are pending results against a government official, residents can trust their government to act,” Stadelman said. “Townships, counties, and local governments will be able to remove bad faith actors and restore trust in the system.”

Senate Bill 3460 creates a process in which countywide elected officials or township officers can be placed on administrative leave in the wake of a criminal charge for a crime or any offense in violation of their official oath. Specifically, this measure allows county or township boards to vote to determine if the official should be placed on administrative leave with a three-fifths vote.

The vote would then be sent to the state’s attorney for review of the crimes, and if it is determined the crimes were relevant to their duties, the state’s attorney would file a motion to place the elected official on administrative leave.

“When someone violates their oath of office and breaks community trust, they should not be allowed to remain in office,” Stadelman said. “The process to remove bad faith actors already exists in Illinois – it only makes sense to enforce this standard across the board.”

This legislation was born out of corruption charges levied in 2020 against Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz. While his trial is ongoing, the coroner continued to serve in his elected position and is accused by the Attorney General of continuing to engage in additional misconduct.

Senate Bill 3460 passed the Senate on Friday and moves forward to the House for further consideration.

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