Illinois Constitution ARTICLE XIII - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Illinois Constitution – Article XIII: General Provisions – Summary
Article XIII of the Illinois Constitution covers various miscellaneous provisions that do not fit neatly into other sections. Here are the key components:
Section 1 – Disqualification from Public Office
Anyone convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crimes is ineligible to hold public office in Illinois, unless restored to rights under the law.
Section 2 – Oath or Affirmation of Office
All state officers must take an oath (or affirmation) to:
Support the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions.
Faithfully discharge the duties of their office.
Section 3 – Sovereign Immunity Abolished
The doctrine of sovereign immunity (that the state cannot be sued without its consent) is abolished. The General Assembly may still pass laws specifying how and when the state may be sued.
Section 4 – Pension and Retirement Rights
Membership in any public pension or retirement system is a contractual relationship.
Benefits cannot be diminished or impaired.
Section 5 – Ethics
The General Assembly must pass a code of ethics for all state employees and officials.
Section 6 – Consolidation of Governmental Functions
The state encourages the consolidation of local governments to promote efficiency and economy.
Laws may allow for the transfer of functions or responsibilities between units of local government.
Section 7 – Crime Victim Rights
(Added by amendment) Crime victims have specific rights, including:
Notification of court proceedings.
Presence and participation in proceedings.
Restitution, protection, and consideration of their safety.
This article ensures public accountability, protects pension benefits, and promotes governmental reform and ethical governance in Illinois.
RELATED Blog
0 comments