The Chicago City Council voted unanimously to pass Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ethics ordinance. The ordinance, which is the first overhaul of the city’s ethics code in 25 years, institutes the recommendations made by an ethics board Emanuel appointed to study the city’s ethical issues.

The newly passed ordinance will increase the gift prohibition for city officials and employees. Officials and employees will now only be able to accept gifts that are less than $50 in value. It also limits the ability of lobbyists and contractors to make political contributions. It also includes a reverse revolving door provision, which limits a city official or employee’s participation in matters involving former employers.

The ordinance will go into effect on November 1, 2012.

Photo of Chicago’s City Hall and Daley Plaza by JeremyA in Wikipedia.