* Press release…

After accepting the resignation of the current Legislative Inspector General (LIG), effective September 30, 2026, the members of the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC) have voted to appoint David E. Risley as Acting Legislative Inspector General, effective October 1, 2026. Risley, who is a Certified Inspector General, brings more than 30 years of experience in investigations and prosecutorial work as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney to the position. […]

“The position of Legislative Inspector General is too important to sit vacant, especially in the context of the current moment,” said LEC Chair, State Rep. Jeff Keicher. “The public’s trust has understandably been shaken by recent events, which is why the Commission has acted swiftly to fill the position to provide a seamless transition. We are committed to ensuring the highest ethical standards are enforced and that all complainants, respondents and witnesses are given the due process and consideration they deserve.

“Mr. Risley’s extensive investigative and prosecutorial experience, as well as his experience with Illinois’ ethics laws, make him an excellent candidate to serve as Acting Legislative Inspector General, and the Commission thanks him for his willingness to take on this critically important role.”

In addition to more than 30 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, David Risley has also served in the U.S. Regime Crimes Liaison Office investigating crimes against humanity in Iraq, served as Ethics Officer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, served as Legal and Ethics Advisor to the Office of the Illinois Legislative Inspector General, and has earned accreditation as a Certified Inspector General and Investigator from the Association of Inspectors General.

While Risley will assume his duties as Acting LIG on October 1, 2026, the LEC wants to reiterate to the public that it considers the LIG to be a vital position necessary to ensure the integrity of the legislature and the citizens’ trust in the functions of the legislative branch and seeks to fill the position permanently as expeditiously as possible.

…Added by Rich… From my weekly column…

Finally, recent legislative inspectors general have had judicial backgrounds. Those folks are accustomed to lawyers bringing facts and arguments to their courtrooms. The next person in the post should have some investigatory skills to get to the bottom of things, rather than just looking witnesses in the eye to discern whether they’re telling the truth.

This is a very good step in the right direction.