(A) A FALSE REPORT is a report of sexual harassment made by an accuser using the sexual harassment report to accomplish some end other than stopping sexual harassment or 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 discipline or discharge pursuant to applicable municipal policies, employment agreements, procedures, employee handbooks, and/or collective bargaining agreements.
(B) (1) In addition, any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, being 5 ILCS 430/1-1 et seq. to an ethics commission, an inspector general, the state police, a State Attorney, the Attorney General, or any other law enforcement official is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) An Ethics Commission may levy an administrative fine of up to $5,000 against any person who intentionally makes a false, frivolous, or bad faith allegation.
(Ord. 18-O-1, passed 1-2-2018; Ord. 2020-O-15, passed 8-18-2020; Ord. 2021-O-5, passed 5-4-2021)