Illinois Bill To Raise Penalties For Assault On DCFS Workers

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Measures that would increase penalties for assaults against Illinois Department of Child and Family Services employees that were spurred following a caseworker's death are seeing slow progress.

The State Journal-Register reports that Republican Sen. Tim Bivins introduced a Senate bill in January that would make aggravated battery without a firearm a felony if it causes permanent

disability or disfigurement to a DCFS worker. The bill was revived last week and cleared a Senate subcommittee after lingering for months.

A House bill that featured similar language failed to clear a House committee. Some lawmakers expressed concerns over mass incarcerations and are seeking criminal justice reforms.

Caseworker Pamela Knight was attacked in September while attempting to take a child into protective custody. The 59-year-old suffered a fractured skull and died in February.