House Bill 4147 gives DCFS workers the
same protections as police and firemen
Springfield…Today, State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) filed
House Bill 4147 to make attacking a DCFS workers in performance of their duties
an aggravated battery and a Class 1 felony.
House Bill 4147, filed this week, would make
battering a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in the
performance of his/her official duties or in response to their official duties
an aggravated battery and a Class 1 felony.
Aggravated battery subject perpetrators to more severe penalties when
facing prosecution and sentencing.
“My deepest sympathies and get well-wishes go
out to the victim of this horrible attack, her family and everyone in her DCFS
family. Everyday DCFS workers put
themselves at risk to protect the most vulnerable children in our communities,”
said Rep. Stewart. “This legislation will give DCFS workers the same
protections as policemen, firemen, and peace officers who also put themselves
in harm’s way.”
This legislation is in response to the September
29th tragedy where a 59-year-old DCFS worker in Milledgeville was
checking on a child when she was viciously assaulted by the child’s father.
State Representatives Tony McCombie (R-Savanna)
and Tom Demmer (R-Dixon), and John Cabello (R-Rockford) who will be co-sponsoring
HB 4147, expressed their support of this legislation.
“I continue to pray for the victim of this
senseless act of violence. It’s unfortunate an act of violence was inflicted on
a DCFS worker in order for legislation to be proposed, however, this bill will
to give DCFS workers the additional legal protections they deserve,” said Rep.
McCombie.
“It’s unfortunate that this type of measure is needed, but the safety of
these state employees charged with protecting child welfare is paramount.
Their work in protecting children and stepping into dangerous situations warrant
additional penalty for those who cause them harm in the performance of their
duties,” said Rep. Demmer.
Current law makes it an aggravated
battery and a Class 1 felony offense when the suspect causes great bodily harm,
permanent disability, or disfigurement to peace officers, community policing
volunteers, firemen, private security officers, correctional institution employees,
or certain Department of Human Services employees.
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