In response to the murder of Sonya Massey, a new state law aimed at strengthening police hiring standards will take effect January first. State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield says the legislation was inspired by the impact Massey’s death had on the community and her commitment to seek accountability.

The new law requires law enforcement agencies across Illinois to conduct more comprehensive background and employment reviews of prospective officers before making a hiring decision. The goal is to ensure candidates are fit for duty before joining a department.

The legislation also expands the use of sheriff’s merit boards and merit commissions in counties with populations of 75-thousand or more. Those boards are designed to add oversight and help maintain professionalism and integrity in the hiring of sheriff’s deputies and other personnel.

Turner says the law is intended to help rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Senate Bill 1953 officially takes effect January first.