Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci Issue Statement on the Passage of the Sonya Massey Bill by the Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 15, 2025) — National civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio M. Romanucci issued the following statement today after the Illinois House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1953, also known as the Sonya Massey Bill, which now heads to Governor JB Pritzker for signature:

“The passage of the Sonya Massey Bill is a powerful and overdue step forward in preventing tragedies like the one that took Sonya’s life. This legislation helps address the deep flaws in the law enforcement hiring process that allowed an officer with a disturbing pattern of misconduct to continue wearing a badge and carrying a weapon.

“We are grateful to Senator Doris Turner and Representative Kam Buckner for their leadership in championing this bill and standing with the Massey family throughout this process. Their efforts, alongside the tireless advocacy of the Massey Commission, have brought about meaningful reform that will require departments to fully investigate and consider a candidate’s prior history before entrusting them with the power to police and serve our communities.

“Today, Illinois lawmakers have sent a clear message: that we can and must do better. This legislation sets a new standard for accountability and transparency, and brings us closer to ensuring that no other family endures the devastating loss the Massey family has suffered. Other states must follow their lead. 

“We respectfully implore Governor Pritzker to sign this bill into law swiftly, as we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for justice, accountability, and reform in Sonya’s name.”