On December 9, 2003, the Governor of the State of Illinois signed into law a bill outlining the ethical requirements of all State employees. 

This bill, now known as the State Ethics Act or Public Act 93-617, implements procedures to increase ethics awareness, oversight, and enforcement.  The Act also strengthens the previous gift ban provisions of State law by reducing the number of exceptions that were contained in the rules governing the acceptance of gifts by State employees.  In addition, the Act introduces restrictions on activities such as: 

• Political Activities during work time.
• Lobbyist activity and service on Boards and commissions.
• Employment by outside “vendors” of ex-State employees who formerly were involved in procurement decisions regarding those vendors. 

Finally, the Act strengthens protection for legitimate “whistle blowers.” 

As part of the Act, employees are expected to be informed about the Act and to, in general, receive information concerning ethics.  The general outline of how Public Act 93-617 impacts Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the policies that result are included in this document and should be read by all employees. 

Employees with questions about how the Act affects them or with requirements for more information should contact Labor and Employee Relations, or the Director, Brent Patton.

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