Bill > SB1953

This bill amends several Illinois laws to enhance the process of background checks and information sharing for law enforcement employment. Specifically, it requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a signed release from job applicants allowing comprehensive access to their employment records, including internal investigations, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and criminal history. The bill mandates that previous employers must provide a complete personnel file within 14 days of a request, with limited exceptions for certain personal identification numbers. The legislation removes qualified immunity and provides full immunity for agencies and individuals releasing employment records in good faith. Law enforcement agencies must review all materials before making a final employment offer, and the bill includes a detailed consent and release form that applicants must sign, which waives privacy rights and allows for extensive background investigations. The bill also modifies requirements for county police department merit boards, making the merit system adoption mandatory for counties with populations of at least 75,000. Additionally, the Personnel Record Review Act is amended to specifically address the release of law enforcement personnel files, ensuring comprehensive disclosure while protecting certain personal identifying information.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1953&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104