House committee approves bill requiring stricter hiring practices for police following Sonya Massey's murder

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill heading to the Illinois House floor would require law enforcement to have stricter hiring practices following the murder of Sonya Massey.

Police departments would not be able to make final offers of employment for probationary or law enforcement officers unless they review all past employment records, including background investigation materials, duty-related physical and psychological fitness-for-duty examinations, work performance records, arrests, convictions, and any records of criminal, civil, or administrative investigations of conduct.

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) worked with the Massey Commission and law enforcement leaders to draft the bill language and ensure what happened to Massey never happens again.

"They're going to sign a waiver indicating that we can get copies of their records if they're looking to seek employment with this agency from the agency that they're currently employed with that would disclose all records and information that they've got with them including any investigation information and send that and a verification letter along back to the requesting agency to verify that they provided all of that information," said Jim Kaitschuk, Executive Director of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association.

Senate Bill 1953 passed out of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee on a 10-3 vote Tuesday night. All three Republicans voting against the measure work in law enforcement.

"I just see a lot of moving parts in this," said Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora). "Look, I'm not against moving parts. But I just want to make sure that we completely understand what we're passing before we pass this."

Although, the legislation gained unanimous support in the Senate April 9. Senate Republicans even commended Turner for her work and dedication to protect her community.

"I would say this is one of the most important bills I have brought forward to this chamber," Turner said. "The murder of Sonya Massey at the Sangamon County Deputy Sheriffs hands shook my community and brought light to some of the unjust hiring practices in the Sangamon County Sheriffs office."