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Cunningham’s measure to increase access to benefits for police becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Chicago police officers would face fewer barriers to accessing certain benefits under legislation sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham that was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

Under current law, the board of trustees for the PABF can issue a denial of the continuance of a duty or occupational disability benefit for a member. Members can appeal the denial, but the cost of litigating the appeal can be a heavy burden.

House Bill 2470 would require the Policeman’s Annuity Benefit Fund of Chicago (PABF) to pay court costs, litigation expenses and reasonable attorney fees for members who were unfairly denied duty or occupational disability benefits.

“Officers earn these benefits over the course of years of putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “We need to ensure that they are properly rewarded for their service.”

The PABF may still strip an officer of benefits if an officer intentionally and unjustifiably delays proceedings and is ultimately convicted of a felony related to his or her service.

House Bill 2470 will go into effect January 1, 2020.