SB1740 Summary

• Separates Illinois Gaming Board from Department of Revenue as an independent agency with 5 full-time members appointed by Governor from nominations presented by newly created Nomination Panel and confirmed by Senate.

• Establishes Executive Inspector General for gaming activities appointed by Governor with jurisdiction over Illinois Gaming Board and its officers and employees to investigate fraud, waste, abuse, and ethics violations.

• Creates comprehensive ethics provisions prohibiting Board members, Nomination Panel members, and employees from conflicts of interest, financial interests in licensees, gambling, political activity, and outside employment within 5 years after termination.

• Implements strict ex parte communication restrictions for Board members, nominees, and state officials regarding gaming matters, with violations constituting Class 4 felonies; requires immediate reporting to Inspector General.

• Adds investigator positions for Illinois Gaming Board to pension code eligible creditable service and makes conforming changes to remove Gaming Board from Department of Revenue Law and other related statutes.