A bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission in Illinois voted unanimously on Thursday to release a report by the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) detailing an investigation into former state Rep. Harry Benton, who resigned earlier this month amidst multiple sexual harassment allegations. The release of the report, expected by July 31, follows a state law granting Benton and the complainants an opportunity to review the findings and suggest redactions prior to public disclosure.

Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, stepped down on July 3 but has not publicly addressed the allegations. Despite his resignation, he continues to hold his position as Wheatland Township highway commissioner, which pays $72,000 annually. The investigation was initiated following complaints about Benton’s conduct, including allegations made by a female lobbyist who reported inappropriate and lewd comments at a Chicago bar earlier this year. This complaint led House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to demand Benton’s resignation.

The report is not expected to address a separate, earlier complaint made in 2023 by a former Benton staffer because it falls outside the LIG’s one-year statute of limitations. That staffer accused Benton of numerous harassment incidents but declined to file an official complaint with the LIG at the time, citing concerns about her career prospects. She did, however, inform Welch’s office of the allegations, and her case has raised questions about how the speaker’s office handled such claims. Welch’s office has defended its actions, stating that appropriate steps were taken promptly, though it did not specify any disciplinary measures.

Welch has faced scrutiny over his handling of the 2023 complaint, including revelations that he engaged with the staffer on social media using heart-eye emojis and requested to meet her at a restaurant, which she described as uncomfortable. Welch acknowledged sending the emojis was a mistake but maintained that he was trying to maintain a cordial relationship. He has since met with Democratic female lawmakers to discuss criticisms regarding the office’s response to the allegations.

Governor JB Pritzker, while refraining from commenting directly on Welch’s leadership, urged increased transparency and accountability regarding the situation, calling on the speaker to fully disclose what he knew and when. Welch echoed calls for transparency, describing the commission’s vote as a positive step toward accountability.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the Democratic leadership for what they see as a continuation of a problematic culture in the Illinois House, alluding to past controversies during the tenure of former Speaker Michael Madigan, who was federally convicted and whose administration was marked by mishandled harassment complaints. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie emphasized the need for transparency to restore integrity, while Republican Commissioner Jeff Keicher highlighted statutory protections aimed at preserving privacy during the review process.

Democratic members, including Rep. Kelly Cassidy, have expressed support for revisiting and strengthening the laws governing the legislative inspector general’s independence and effectiveness. Cassidy pointed out that legislative reforms after past scandals were insufficient and called for bolder measures to ensure a safe and equitable legislative environment.

With the report’s release pending later this month, key stakeholders anticipate further insight into the allegations against Benton and the institutional response, as Illinois lawmakers contemplate reforms to address workplace misconduct more effectively.