SPRINGFIELD — Police officers injured in the line of duty will be protected from disability-related retaliation going forward thanks to a law championed by State Senator Robert Martwick.
“When police officers are injured while serving and protecting their communities, they deserve the assurance that their careers are secure when they return,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Codifying police officers’ ability to return to work when they recover is a vital way to honor their commitment and service.”
Martwick’s law prohibits municipalities from discharging a police officer from their duties based on their application for disability-related pension benefits. This protection was previously given only to firefighters; the new law brings police officers in line with those rights.
Under the law, when a chief of police receives notice that an officer is able to return to work, the chief must reinstate the officer to the same rank or grade they held prior to being placed on leave.
“All of our first responders deserve job security,” Martwick said. “Thanks to this law, we are ensuring our dedicated police officers are not at risk of losing their job due to a work-related disability.”
Senate Bill 2918 was signed into law by the governor on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
