SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation that ensures Illinois State University police officers receive the same line of duty disability benefits as every other police officer in the state was signed into law today.

"This is a benefit we hope no officer has to use, but our university police deserve the same benefits as our other officers," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We are strengthening their line of duty disability benefit to 65% of their salary, because it’s the right thing to do."

There are currently a total of 659 University police officers enrolled in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Under Halpin’s legislation, SURS police will receive a line of duty disability benefit for 65% of their salary. This is parity with all other police officers in the state of Illinois.

Previously, university police officers were eligible for 50% of their basic salary as a disability benefit, which is reduced to 30% of their salary after the employee exhausts their 50% disability benefit. This law now changes that.

“These university officers work hand in hand with our municipal police and there’s no reason we shouldn’t be treating them the same way,” said Halpin. “If they both are injured on the job, they should receive the same benefits.”

Senate Bill 1115 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect immediately.