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.
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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.
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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.
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