IL HB5840

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act Section 3-202 to define "conflict situation" for legislators.

Defines conflict situation as involving a legislator, their immediate family, or a business with their direct or indirect economic interest that relates to a pending matter.

Requires a conflict situation to potentially result in private pecuniary benefit to the legislator, their immediate family, or businesses in which they are involved.

Directs legislators with conflicts to first consider eliminating the conflicting interest, and if not feasible, to consider abstaining from official action on the matter.

Establishes four factors for legislators to consider when deciding whether to abstain: threat to judgment independence, effect on public confidence, impact on case disposition, and need for their particular expertise.