Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste, a Republican from Geneva, has introduced two legislative proposals in the 104th General Assembly of Illinois. The bills aim to enhance accountability among elected officials in the state. House Bill 1304 and House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4 are designed to enable public-initiated recall elections for elected officials.

“These bills address a critical issue in our state – the lack of accountability of our officeholders,” stated Rep. Ugaste. He emphasized that there should be mechanisms to remove public officials when necessary, especially if they refuse to step down despite widespread opposition or inappropriate actions.

House Bill 1304 focuses on local elected officials, allowing their recall through petition circulation and a 60 percent vote for removal. The recall election would coincide with the next General Election or Consolidated Election, whichever is sooner. Meanwhile, HJRCA 4 proposes a recall mechanism for all elected officials at the state level, including key figures like the Senate President and Speaker of the House. State officeholders could only be removed during a General Election.

“Illinois residents deserve accountability from their elected officials," Rep. Ugaste remarked, noting that some officeholders wield significant power yet are chosen by only a small segment of the population. He pointed out that initiating recalls involves substantial effort due to high signature requirements and a 60 percent threshold, which he believes mitigates political or partisan motivations.