Sonya Massey Bill Passed By Illinois House

The Illinois House recently passed Senate Bill 1953, known as the Sonya Massey Bill, which now awaits the signature of Governor JB Pritzker. The legislation, named in memory of Sonya Massey, seeks to address systemic issues in the officer hiring process that allowed a law enforcement officer with a troubling history of misconduct to remain on duty. National civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci praised the bill's passage, calling it "a powerful and overdue step forward in preventing tragedies like the one that took Sonya's life." They emphasized that the bill introduces "meaningful reform" by requiring departments to fully assess a candidate's past conduct before granting them the authority to police communities.

Crump and Romanucci also acknowledged the leadership of Senator Doris Turner and Representative Kam Buckner, noting their efforts "alongside the tireless advocacy of the Massey Commission" as critical to the bill's progress. They highlighted that the legislation "sets a new standard for accountability and transparency" in policing, aiming to prevent further tragedies and ensure that "no other family endures the devastating loss the Massey family has suffered."

The attorneys concluded their statement by urging Governor Pritzker to sign the bill promptly, reaffirming their commitment to "fighting for justice, accountability, and reform in Sonya's name."

Link: NEWSCHANNEL