SPRINGFIELD – The Senate State Government Committee passed a bill sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham Wednesday that would ease the financial burden on Chicago police officers who litigate to receive certain benefits.

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.

“Chicago police officers work hard to earn their benefits and they should not have to risk financial ruin to access them,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “These men and women spend their careers protecting us and we need to do the same for them.”

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 passed the State Government Committee on a bipartisan 7-2 vote. It will now go before the entire Senate.