Bill inspired by accusations against Winnebago County coroner would allow elected officials to be forced to take leave after criminal charges
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our newsletter
ROCKFORD — Legislation proposed in Illinois would allow county boards to place a countrywide elected official on paid administrative leave if they are charged with a serious crime.
Senate Bill 3460, which has bipartisan sponsorship from local Sens. Dave Syverson and Steve Stadelman, was inspired by the accusations against Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz. The bill is also co-sponsored by Sen. Craig Wilcox of McHenry.
Hintz, 52, ignored calls to step down for nearly a year after he was charged with theft, forgery and official misconduct. He was handed down more charges of misconduct and theft, including accusations of stealing from he dead, while he stayed in office.
He agreed to paid leave in September pending the outcome of his trial. He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court March 9.
Related: Winnebago County isn’t required to have an elected coroner. Does it still make sense?
The proposal states that a county board member, board chairman, state’s attorney or other countrywide elected official could be placed on administrative leave after being charged with an “infamous crime” if the county board approves of the action by a three-fifths vote.
Then, if the state’s attorney believes the crime is pertinent to the official duties of the accused, he or she would file a motion in circuit court to place the person on paid leave.
Related: How lawmakers are responding after Winnebago County coroner charged with stealing from the dead
If the court motion is approved, the official would be barred from county property and performing official duties until the criminal case is resolved. The county board would also appoint a replacement for the officeholder.
The bill, which was filed earlier this month, was referred to the state senate’s assignments committee.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.
