(a) A false report is a report of sexual harassment made by an accuser to accomplish an outcome other than stopping sexual harassment or stopping retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. A false report is not a report made in good faith which cannot be proven. Given the seriousness of the consequences for the accused, a false or frivolous report is a severe offense that can itself result in disciplinary action. Any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action or discharge pursuant to applicable municipal policies, employment agreements, procedures, employee handbooks and/or collective bargaining agreements.
(b) In addition, any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to an ethics commission, an inspector general, the Illinois State Police, a State's Attorney, the Attorney General or any other law enforcement official is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. An ethics commission may levy an administrative fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) against any person who intentionally makes a false, frivolous or bad faith allegation.
(Ord. 2018-1-2. Passed 1-10-18; Ord. 2020-5-1. Passed 5-27-20; Ord. 2021-11-1. Passed 11-10-21.)