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.

“The workers that put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities should not face financial run when they are injured in the line of duty,” said David Amerson, executive director of Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association and the Police Benevolent Labor Committee.

“This is about fairness and dignity,” said Edly-Allen. “No one who is hurt protecting others should face mounting medical bills or uncertainty about their future. This legislation ensures we are taking care of those who take care of us.”

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 Local Government Committee on Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.