What is the Executive Ethics Commission?

The Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) is committed to furthering ethics and good government in the State of Illinois. Through education and enforcement, the EEC strives to ensure the State’s business is carried out with integrity, transparency, and fairness.

The Commission has nine members. Five commissioners are appointed by the Governor, and one commissioner each is appointed by the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. No more than five commissioners may be from the same political party. Current Commissioners are listed on the EEC website.

The EEC has several responsibilities relating to ethics in State government. It conducts hearings and issues determinations in contested cases for alleged violations of the Ethics Act. It also receives, redacts, and publishes investigative reports by the Office of the Executive Inspectors General (OEIGs); hears appeals of revolving door determinations; and promulgates rules governing OEIG investigations. In addition, the EEC collects supplemental Statements of Economic Interests from state employees and officials under Executive Order 15-09 and serves as an ethics resource for the Executive Branch of the State government.

The OEIGs investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (Ethics Act) and other laws, rules, and policies. If an OEIG concludes an investigation and determines reasonable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, the OEIG issues an investigative summary report.

The EEC must publish an investigative report when the employee who is the subject of the

report receives discipline resulting in a suspension of three days or more, including termination. In circumstances where there is lesser or no discipline, the Commission may, but does not have to, publish the report.

When publishing an investigative report, the Ethics Act requires the EEC to remove certain personal identifiers and permits the Commission to redact other information the Commission believes should not be made public.

In some circumstances, when an OEIG determines reasonable cause exists to believe a State official or employee violated the Ethics Act, the Office of the Attorney General may file a complaint on behalf of the OEIG. The EEC then presides over a hearing, allowing the parties the opportunity to present testimony and evidence. After the hearing, the EEC determines if a violation of the Ethics Act has occurred and, if appropriate, issues a fine for the violation.

In addition to the EEC’s responsibilities under the Ethics Act, the EEC appoints and provides administrative support services to the State’s four independent chief procurement officers (CPOs): The CPO for General Services, the CPO for Public Institutions of Higher Education, the CPO for the Capital Development Board, and the CPO for the Department of Transportation.

The CPOs work with State agencies and universities to meet their procurement needs while exercising independent authority, oversight, and approval to ensure and continuously improve compliance with law, fair treatment, need-based decision making, diversity, integrity, transparency, and value.

The EEC also appoints the Executive Director of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The IPA’s role is to plan and procure reliable, efficient, and cost-effective electricity for residents and businesses in an ethical and objective manner, insulated from improper influence.

All Executive Branch employees, including those under the Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, State Universities, Regional Transit Boards, and Regional Development Authorities are under the EEC’s jurisdiction. This includes more than 185,000 employees serving in over 250 different agencies, universities, boards, or commissions.

More information about the EEC, including links to the Ethics Act, other relevant laws and procedures, as well as resources for all employees can be found on our website. Every State agency is required to appoint an Ethics Officer. Ethics Officers are always available to discuss questions or concerns.

Find your agency’s Ethics Officer by visiting our website.

This publication is for general informational purposes only. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.

Executive Ethics Commission Address:
401 South Spring Street
516 William Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Contact Us:

Website: https://EEC.Illinois.gov
Phone: (217) 558-1393
Fax: (217) 524-2041
Email: EEC@illinois.gov