SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new law named after Sonya Massey will require law enforcement agencies in Illinois to conduct more comprehensive background checks on prospective officers before hiring, State Senator Doris Turner announced.
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The legislation, Senate Bill 1953, was introduced in response to the July 2024 fatal shooting of Massey by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson during a police encounter at Massey’s home on Hoover Avenue. Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder on Oct. 29, 2025, following an eight-day trial.
The incident that led to the law occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on July 6, 2024, when deputies responded to a 911 call at Massey’s residence. Body camera footage showed Massey, who was compliant and apologetic, picking up a pot of boiling water from the stove. The footage also captured Deputy Grayson escalating the situation by shouting and drawing his weapon before firing three shots that struck Massey in the head.
“The murder of Sonya Massey shattered our community,” Turner, a Democrat from Springfield, said. “This is something that happens on TV – not in my hometown and not involving someone that is an integral part of my life. Since then, I have worked diligently to bring justice for Sonya, the only thing her mother asked for.”
The law mandates that law enforcement agencies perform a thorough review of a prospective officer’s past employment to determine fitness for duty before making an offer of employment. It also expands the establishment of sheriff’s merit boards and commissions in counties with populations of at least 75,000 to enhance integrity and professionalism in hiring.
Turner expressed hope that the legislation will foster trust between communities and law enforcement.
“With this law in effect, I feel confident that going forward our communities and law enforcement will build a trusting relationship,” she said. “Now, I will have kept my promise to my friend and Sonya’s mother.”
