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6d ago

Illinois Enacts Sonya Massey Act Requiring Full Disclosure of Police Hiring Records

The new requirement for unredacted disclosure aims to prevent officers with misconduct histories from moving between departments unnoticed.

Donna Massey, mother of Sonya Massey, listens to Gov. JB Pritzker speak to reporters in the state Capitol, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Springfield, Ili. (John O'Connor/AP)
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to reporters in the state Capitol, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Springfield, Ili. (John O'Connor/AP)
Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, talks to reporters at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Springfield, Ili. (John O'Connor/AP)
Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, talks to reporters at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Springfield, Ili. (John O'Connor/AP)

Overview

  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Sonya Massey Act on August 12, creating the nation’s first state law mandating unredacted personnel record disclosure during police hiring effective January 1, 2026.
  • Applicants must authorize release of all prior employment files, including fitness-for-duty reports, performance evaluations and nonpublic settlement agreements.
  • Former agencies are required to comply with record requests within 14 days under threat of judicial enforcement to close gaps in officer vetting.
  • The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate and by a 101–12 vote in the House with backing from bipartisan lawmakers, the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the Association of Chiefs of Police and civil-rights advocates.
  • Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in Sonya Massey’s July 2024 killing, with his trial moved to Peoria County in October 2025.