Peoria Standard

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) gave a yes vote to House Bill 1293, which aims to penalize Russia for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

During the House floor debate on April 5, Butler spoke about how much he appreciates what House Bill 1293 is proposing.

"As we know, the Russians hacked into our system and got data out of the state election systems so this task force will take a look at how to secure the systems in Illinois," Butler said from the House floor. "I know our county clerks and election officials across the state do a great job but that doesn't mean we can't look forward to having great systems in place. The meat of this bill is about going after Russia on the things we can as the state of Illinois. And I truly appreciate that. … I would urge an aye vote."

House Bill 1293 is sponsored by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). Thirty other colleagues – Democrats and Republicans – have joined her as co-sponsors of the bill.

On April 5, the bill passed unanimously with 114 yes votes and has now moved to the Senate. Over there, it has been sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and has also been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee.

HB1293 will divest state pension funds of investments in Russia-based companies. It will also prepare the state to become better equipped at accepting Ukrainian refugees. It also promises to set up a group specifically meant to study Russian money-laundering with respect to Illinois real estate. 

"This bill in itself is not going to end the war in Ukraine but it's a way to harness our collective power and do everything we can in Illinois to make a statement to support the Ukrainian people," LaPointe said, according to the Associated Press.