Illinois bills seek to tighten lobbying regulations

Two new bills in Illinois aim to change lobbying rules. House Bill 1169 proposes fee waivers for nonprofits with budgets under $5 million, addressing concerns about high registration costs. The bill is currently in committee. Another bill seeks to prevent legislators from being lobbyists, closing a loophole that allows them to lobby in other jurisdictions. This follows a 2021 scandal involving former state Rep. Luis Arroyo, who was involved in bribery. Advocates argue that the changes are necessary to ensure transparency and reduce corruption. The bills are sponsored by state representatives and are awaiting further action in the House Ethics and Elections Committee.