West Central Reporter

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is sponsoring a bill that would provide safeguards for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) workers.

“These workers need to be able to do their jobs,” McClure said at a Feb.15 press conference. “Pepper spray or Mace are commonly used defensive items that many people choose to carry every day all across the state and it’s perfectly legal for them to carry it. DCFS employees currently are not allowed this same right, while they are on the job.”

McClure's bill would change that.

“This bill will end that prohibition and make sure employees choose to carry pepper spray know how to do it safely,” McClure said. “There is no way to absolutely guarantee the safety of DCFS employees, but this will offer them an additional and important tool. This is an idea that was suggested to us by current and former employees, and we believe this is a very reasonable proposal.”

McClure introduced Senate Bill 4165 on Feb. 10. 

“Before I was a state senator, I was the head of the juvenile division here in Sangamon County, so I used to deal with DCFS cases all the time,” McClure said at a press conference. “I never was in the field but I have helped at the (University of Illinois Springfield) training and I was personally confronted, just as a prosecutor, by a parent whose children we took away from him.”

The co-sponsors of the bill are Sens. Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), according to the Illinois General Assembly.

“I think it's important to note that DCFS investigators perform an incredibly important service advocating for children and families of our state,” McClure said. “It is truly tragic that so many DCFS employees have faced and continue to face threats every day.”

Once signed by the governor, the bill would be effective immediately, according to the Illinois General Assembly.