Greenwood Bills Cutting Human Services Red Tape, Raising Standards for Conservation Police Officers, Signed Into Law

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, had two of her measures signed into law by Gov. Pritzker last week: Senate Bill 3184, which raises standards to become a conservation police officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR); and Senate Bill 4001, which cuts redundant data-gathering practices for the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

“Streamlining and raising the bar for training IDNR conservation police officers is vitally important as we continue to improve public safety and make law enforcement more effective,” Greenwood said. “I was happy to get input from the IDNR to pass focused and effective legislation, and I hope to work with them again in the future.”

SB 3184 raises hiring standards for Conversation Police Officers to align with those used by the Illinois State Police. These standards include not having the power of arrest or carrying a firearm until age 21, possessing the skill level and demonstrate ability to swim according to IDNR resources and obtaining a certificate under the IL Police Training Act. SB 3184 was backed by the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Madison County Gardener. This bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker last week.

“Between the pandemic, the pressures of inflation and other challenges, IDHS is facing enough hurdles as it is,” said Greenwood. “Cutting duplicative regulations in IDHS practices will save taxpayers money, free up department resources and undo unnecessary bureaucracy. Clear, concise operating policies are critical part of good government—something I am committed to.”

SB 4001 cuts regulations for the IDHS that require them to collect and publicly report racial and ethnic demographic data. This is already common practice for IDHS, making these regulations duplicative. SB 4001 passed with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker last week.