SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) passed the Senate today that will change who is allowed to serve as a township officer, or member of a township board.

House Bill 195 addresses the Township Code to disqualify anyone who submits themselves or is convicted of a crime from holding office as a township official, or from serving on the township board. Under current law, the Township Code does not address past or present criminal activity of those running for, or filling an office in local government.

"Because local government races are often smaller, they are not well publicized and because of that, the people may not get a real chance to understand who they are electing to serve them," Senator Link said. "This bill prevents the problem from occurring at all, by not allowing someone involved in criminal activity to hold office."

House Bill 195 has passed the House and Senate and will now move to the Governor for further consideration.