Morris Introduces Bill to Strengthen Employee Protections and Accountability in Department of Human Services

CHICAGO – State Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago) is introducing legislation to boost accountability in the Department of Human Services and enhance protections for employees against abuse.

“We want our employees to feel safe and respected in the workplace,” Morris said. “To ensure this, we cannot tolerate any form of abuse. Most importantly, when an employee reports misconduct, they must have confidence that no one can interfere with the process without facing serious consequences.”

Morris is introducing House Bill 4643, which clarifies what counts as obstructing an investigation. Under the bill, employees who fail to report abuse, hide evidence, provide false information, or interfere with investigations would be committing serious misconduct. It also expands the types of misconduct covered, including failing to report abuse quickly or obstructing a colleague’s investigation, and updates rules around false reporting. These changes give the Office of the Inspector General stronger tools to investigate abuse and protect victims.

“In order to achieve our mission of protecting vulnerable populations, we must ensure that this commitment extends to the workplace and that all state agencies uphold the values of our state,” Morris said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.”