Illinois Sen.'s Sonya Massey bills advance through committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — State Senator Doris Turner's two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey advanced on Thursday.
Both measures passed through the Senate Executive Committee on April 3. Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer's past employment to ensure their physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making any offer of employment.
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To guarantee the highest level of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriff's deputies and other personnel, the legislation would expand the creation of sheriff's merit boards as well as sheriff's merit commissions for counties with a minimum population of 75,000.
'Sonya's tragic murder brought to light the unjust hiring practices within the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office,' Turner (D-Springfield) said. 'The legislative measures come from conversations with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members. We have to take the necessary steps to ensure this never happens again.'
On top of this, Turner is leading Senate Bill 1954 which would allow a county board to place a referendum creating a recall process on the ballot for the 2026 General Election. If a majority of votes approve the referendum, the county will adopt a recall process for countywide elected officials.
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In order to recall a countywide elected official, electors of the county would be required to submit petitions containing signatures equal to at least 15% of the total votes cast for governor in the preceding election.
Both Senate Bill 1953 and Senate Bill 1954 passed the Senate Executive Committee and are now headed to the full Senate.
'Our community needs to have trust in those who are elected to serve,' Turner said. 'My hope is that these measures will honor Sonya's life by showing our commitment to enhancing that trust.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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