SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The chairwoman of the Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission says an inspector general to investigate alleged misconduct will be appointed by next month.

Republican Rep. Avery Bourne of Raymond heads the bipartisan panel of eight legislators. She says the commission will interview candidates recommended by an independent committee which met Thursday’s deadline. Commissioners will choose one before the fall legislative session adjourns Nov. 28.

The appointee will be the first full-time inspector since 2015. Democrats controlling the General Assembly were embarrassed last year when reaction to the #MeToo anti-sexual harassment movement revealed the vacancy and unanswered complaints. Changes in law last summer expanded the inspector’s authority .

Bourne would not identify candidates. She says commissioners want someone with legal and investigative experience, an “outsider’s perspective” and an understanding of the legislative process.