Illinois Governor JB Pritzker set to sign police reform bill named for Sonya Massey
Share this @internewscast.com

SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign Tuesday a new law inspired by death of Sonya Massey, who was shot by police.

The Sonya Massey Bill has been introduced over a year following the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old resident from the Springfield area, Sonya Massey, in her home by Sangamon County Deputy Sheriff Sean Grayson.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This new legislation, referred to as Senate Bill 1953, aims to enhance hiring standards for law enforcement across Illinois. It mandates that departments conduct thorough investigations into applicants’ backgrounds, including disciplinary actions and any history of misconduct, before making hiring decisions.

The measure passed out of the senate unanimously and out of the house with a vote 101-to-12.

RELATED: Family speaks out 1 year after Sonya Massey shot, killed by former IL deputy: ‘Miss her every day’

Sonya Massey lost her life on July 6, 2024, when Deputy Grayson, who has since been dismissed, responded to her emergency 9-1-1 call regarding a suspected intruder.

The shooting was ruled unjustified and Grayson was charged with murder.

It was reported that the 30-year-old Grayson had worked in six different law enforcement positions over a four-year span and had two DUI offenses on his record prior to becoming an officer.

The Sangamon County sheriff who hired Grayson eventually resigned amid pressure from the scandal.

Trial for Grayson is set to start in October. He has pleaded not guilty.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A list of notable shooting attacks on houses of worship in the US in the past 20 years

Significant Shooting Incidents at U.S. Places of Worship Over the Past 20 Years

A gunman opened fire inside a church in Michigan during Sunday services,…
How to watch Chicago Cubs home playoff game: ABC7 to broadcast National League Wild Card Series against San Diego Padres

How to View the Chicago Cubs Home Playoff Game: ABC7 to Air National League Wild Card Series vs. San Diego Padres

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the Cubs Wild Card Series…
Over 66,000 Palestinians killed in Israel-Hamas conflict, Gaza officials say

Gaza Officials Report Over 66,000 Palestinian Casualties in Israel-Hamas Conflict

Trump has maintained his support for Israel, but he has been showing…
Mormon church shooting: Multiple people shot at Mormon church in Michigan and the shooter is down, Grand Blanc police say

Shooting Incident at Mormon Church in Michigan: Several Injured, Suspect Neutralized, Reports Grand Blanc Police

GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Multiple people have been shot at a Mormon…
ICE in Chicago today: Federal immigration agents, Border Patrol boat seen in downtown Chicago | LIVE

Federal Immigration Agents and Border Patrol Boat Spotted in Downtown Chicago Today – Live Updates

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal immigration agents have been seen in downtown Chicago…
DHS releases images of firearms taken from Chicago anti-ICE protesters

DHS Shares Photos of Weapons Confiscated from Chicago Anti-ICE Demonstrators

The Department of Homeland Security released images of firearms confiscated from anti-ICE…
Taylor Swift quietly takes in Travis Kelce's Chiefs win over Ravens

Taylor Swift Secretly Cheers on Travis Kelce’s Chiefs During Victory Against Ravens

Taylor Swift is in the building. The pop sensation, 35, made a…
Senate showdown: Schumer and Thune brace for funding deadline

Senate Clash: Schumer and Thune Prepare for Approaching Funding Deadline

If a funding bill isn’t passed, the government will run out of…
Weather Impact Alert: Tropical system could bring impacts to Jax Beach Monday

Tropical Weather Alert: Potential Impacts on Jax Beach Expected Monday

Outer bands could move onshore Sunday night into Monday, which could occasionally…
Kansas police officer dies after being shot while responding to domestic violence call

Kansas Police Officer Killed in Shooting During Domestic Violence Incident Response

A law enforcement officer was fatally wounded while on duty in Kansas…
Lefties slammed for celebrating Assata Shakur, activist who executed NJ state trooper

Backlash as Left Celebrates Assata Shakur, Activist Convicted in NJ State Trooper’s Death

The Chicago Teachers Union is encountering criticism after they honored Assata Shakur—a…
What will be Tyler Robinson’s defense strategy? Experts weigh in on accused Charlie Kirk assassin

Experts Discuss Tyler Robinson’s Defense Tactics in Alleged Plot Against Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson’s new defense attorney has an uphill battle representing the accused…