State Senator Doris Turner has been busy with some new bills. A new measure is being pushed to protect DCFS caseworkers and investigators.  Under Turner’s measure, if a person assaults someone they know is a DCFS caseworker or investigator, it will be considered aggravated battery rather than battery.  Aggravated battery is punishable by 5-10 years in prison, while battery is often less than a year. 

This measure comes following the death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker who was killed last month, and Pamela Knight who was killed in 2018. Senator Turner says that this bill shows the commitment to protecting DCFS workers and youth.  She says that she is hopeful that this is a common-sense solution to safeguard children’s health and their well-being. SB 3070 passed the Criminal law Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. 

Senator Turner is also pushing a bill to show support for the families of fallen heroes. This bill would ensure that military personnel’s next of kin would be presented an Illinois State flag.  Senator Turner says this bill demonstrates our commitment to honoring those who have lost their lives while serving our great state.

Under Turner’s measure, if an Illinois resident dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, their next of kin would be presented the Illinois State Flag by military personnel. SB 3459 passed the Veterans Affairs committee last Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.