Munoz plan requiring presidential candidates to release tax returns passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Appearing on Illinois ballots as presidential and vice-presidential candidates would soon require publicizing tax returns under a proposal led by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“Voters have a right to know a presidential candidate’s conflicts of interests,” Munoz said. “They have reasonably expected this disclosure for decades, and if candidates won’t release the information willingly, then we need a law in place that requires it.”

Senate Bill 145 requiring presidential candidates to file the five most recent years’ tax returns with the Secretary of State before appearing on a primary or general election ballot was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

Candidates would need to file their returns five days prior to the date set for certification of the ballot for the general election.

The measure now heads to the House for consideration.