Illinois: House Approves Bill Mandating ‘Stricter Police Hiring Background Checks’ Following 2024 Sonya Massey Death

The Illinois House advanced legislation on Thursday mandating more comprehensive background checks prior to the hiring of police officers — coming less than a year after a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 36-year-old Sonya Massey, who appeared to be suffering from a mental health crisis at the time.