Senate Bill 2697 amends the charter for the City of Springfield by revising the nepotism policy outlined in Chapter 158 of the Private Acts of 1927. The bill deletes the existing Section 4 and replaces it with a new provision that prohibits the hiring of relatives of elected city officials and the city manager. Additionally, it restricts the employment of relatives within the same department. The term "relative" is explicitly defined to include various family relationships, such as parents, siblings, in-laws, and others residing in the same household.

The bill requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote from the legislative body of the City of Springfield for it to take effect. While the act will be effective immediately for the purpose of approval or rejection, it will only become fully effective for other purposes once the legislative body has voted. This legislative change aims to enhance transparency and prevent conflicts of interest in city employment practices.