SPRINGFIELD – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers experience one of the highest injury rates of any profession - over 254 injuries per 10,000 workers annually, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation to ensure correctional officers and sheriff’s office employees receive the care and stability they deserve after being injured on the job.

“Every day, correctional officers step into environments that most of us will never fully understand,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “When they are injured in the line of duty, they should not have to worry about losing their health care or financial security while they recover.”

Senate Bill 3076 would expand the Public Employee Disability Act to include full- and part-time correctional officers and county sheriff employees who are currently not covered. Under the legislation, eligible employees who are injured while performing their duties would continue to receive health insurance benefits under the same terms as before their injury.

Currently, many non-deputized correctional officers must rely on workers’ compensation, which often replaces only a portion of lost wages and can create financial strain during recovery. Senate Bill 3076 would help close that gap by ensuring these workers are not left behind.

"Without this bill I’d be scraping by on basic workers’ comp because I got hurt at work,” said Bianca FrancoI, a Lake County Jail correctional officer. “I had way less money and was scared I’d lose my health insurance. Senate Bill 3076 stops that by restoring my full paycheck and health insurance. I should not have to fight with insurance companies and my own employer to make ends meet and recover from my work injuries. I just want to get back to work.”

The measure builds on Illinois’ commitment to supporting public safety workers and recognizes the essential role correctional staff play in maintaining safe and secure facilities.

Senate Bill 3076 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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