Prairie State Wire

Two separate bills that address the issue of sexual harassment have passed unanimously in the Illinois House and Senate.

The recent legislation, House Bills 4243 and 4242, were introduced by Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) as a response to reports of several members of Congress using federal funds for payments to those alleging sexual harassment, according to an announcement.

“There is absolutely zero reason why public funds should be used in any way to settle sexual harassment cases involving politicians," McSweeney said in the announcement. “However, it has happened at the congressional level."

"We here in Illinois are taking a proactive approach and making sure taxpayers will not pay to protect legislators who engage in this kind of repugnant behavior," he said. 

House Bill 4243 would prevent public funds from being part of a payout to anyone connected to allegations of sexual harassment by an Illinois General Assembly member. 

McSweeney's other piece of legislation, House Bill 4242, would require publishing information about severance agreements between employees or contractors of local government, school districts and community college districts, among other local taxing bodies, who have been found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment.

"This legislation shines a spotlight on these severance agreements and holds taxing bodies accountable for their actions," he said. "Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being used."

HB 4243 awaits Rauner's signature; HB 4242 will return to the House for "technical concurrence."