Illinois Allows Lawmaker Conflicts of Interest

Illinois is one of twelve states in the United States that does not require disclosure or recusal when a lawmaker has a conflict of interest. Instead, Illinois lawmakers are on the honor system, and Illinois law merely says that when a lawmaker has a conflict created by a personal, family, or client legislative interest, they should eliminate their interest, or if they cannot, they should consider abstaining.

In states that require disclosure and/or recusal, lawmakers can face civil and criminal penalties for violating the requirements. Mandatory disclosure and recusal requirements are not only for corrupt behavior; they also help to keep lawmakers transparent and accountable.

Most recently, Illinois State Representative Carol Ammons was indicted on July 7, 2026, on charges of wire fraud, making false statements to a federal investigator, and obstruction of justice in an alleged scheme to divert state grant money to herself and her daughter. Ammons’ alleged conflict of interest involved aiding in arranging appropriations for state grants to go to Hood Votes Neighborhood Transformation, where her daughter was a program director. Had Illinois had recusal and/or disclosure requirements, Ammons’ alleged corruption may have been caught earlier.

Additionally, Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit will leave the General Assembly in January after losing her primary bid for state comptroller. However, she has already started as an executive director at the Construction Industry Service Corp. While finishing up her tenure working for her constituents, she will also be working for a labor union management non-profit.

Although the 2026 regular legislative session has ended, it is possible and likely that legislation involving labor union construction will come up during the veto session or in a special session while Kifowit is still in office. Due to Illinois’ conflict-of-interest requirements for lawmakers, it is unclear whether Kifowit will follow them.

Illinois lawmakers are among the highest-paid in the country, and many have additional sources of income, including working as attorneys and lobbyists for the city of Chicago. While lawmakers benefit from having private-sector experience outside of politics, the private industry may benefit or lose from legislation working its way through Springfield. When lawmakers are tied to those industries, clear conflicts can emerge.

If you have questions about Illinois’ recusal/disclosure requirements for lawmakers or their implications, contact the qualified attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC.