SPRINGFIELD – A more comprehensive review of prospective law enforcement officers prior to hiring will be required under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner in response to the horrific murder of Sonya Massey. Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, members of the Massey family and state and local leaders at the bill signing on Tuesday.

“Sonya’s murder left us with more questions than answers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m proud of our collaboration with the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Illinois Chiefs of Police to determine necessary guardrails to ensure we have good officers on our street protecting and serving our communities.”

Senate Bill 1953 requires law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment.

To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriff’s deputies and other personnel, Turner’s law expands the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merit commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.

“The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is dedicated to advancing the law enforcement profession and promoting best practices,” said ILACP Executive Director Kenny Winslow. “The association firmly believes there should be minimum background standards for individuals seeking to protect and serve our communities. The association is grateful for the collaboration with Senator Doris Turner and law enforcement leaders across Illinois on the development of this important legislation. We are one-step closer to ensuring that background checks will be more thorough and only those candidates of the highest moral character will be among the police force. “

Senate Bill 1953 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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