WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2841

LINE OF DUTY ANIMAL CONTROL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Halpin

Illinois bill extends line-of-duty injury and death benefits to animal control officers, providing protections comparable to sworn law enforcement personnel.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2841

Legislative bill overview

SB 2841 establishes "line of duty" protections and benefits for animal control officers in Illinois, similar to those provided to law enforcement officers. The bill extends workers' compensation coverage, death benefits, and other occupational protections to animal control personnel who are injured or killed while performing their official duties.

Why is this important

Animal control officers face occupational hazards including dangerous animal encounters, traffic incidents, and physical altercations, yet typically lack the legal protections afforded to sworn law enforcement. This bill recognizes these risks by ensuring affected workers and their families receive appropriate compensation and support when injuries or deaths occur in the line of duty.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fiscal impact: Extending enhanced benefits programs increases municipal and state expenditures; local governments may face budget pressures implementing these requirements
  • Definition scope: Questions may arise about which positions qualify as "animal control" and whether the protections apply uniformly across different employment arrangements (municipal, county, private contractors)
  • Benefit parity debate: Some may argue the protections are unnecessary or excessive, while others might contend they don't go far enough compared to full law enforcement equivalency

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.