SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are losing their century-old political perk of being able to hand out college scholarships just as federal prosecutors offer another reminder of the ethical concerns surrounding the program.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Wednesday that ends the scholarships after one more round of awards for the upcoming academic year. His approval came shortly after the news that prosecutors have subpoenaed records relating to awards by Sen. Annazette Collins, D-Chicago.

The June 1 subpoena, signed by then-U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, requests scholarship applications, the names of recipients, all communications with them and information on “receipt of any funds or gifts in connection with the award.”