Metro East Sun

In a recent Facebook post, Illinois state Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) shared information on a new bill she introduced to protect Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) employees.

Senate Bill 2010, which is also known as the Knight Silas Legacy Act, would make it a felony if a person commits aggravated battery against a caseworker or investigator while they are performing their duties.

"DCFS employees protect our most vulnerable children and are often the most trusted person for our youth in case," Turner said in the post. "We have heard about the caseworkers who have risked their lives during a home visit – they should feel safe while doing their job."

The senator's post also shared a link to a news release about SB 2010.

The bill defines the criteria for a Class 1 felony: A person is 21 years of age or older and, in committing a battery, other than by the discharge of a firearm, he or she knowingly causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to an individual whom the person knows to be a DCFS employee.

Additionally, an individual would commit a Class 2 felony of aggravated battery if the person is 21 years of age or older and, in committing a battery, other than by discharge of a firearm, he or she knows the individual battered to be a DCFS employee.

Turner's bill is in addition to Senate Bill 3070 of 2022, which increased penalties for people committing crimes against DCFS employees. The last action on SB 3070, of which Turner was also the chief sponsor in the Senate, was on Jan. 10.

Turner was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2021, the General Assembly website said. Her legislative experience includes serving on the Agriculture and State Government committees. She resides in Springfield.