IL SB1486

Authorizes Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) front-line staff members who engage with families in home settings to carry and use personal protection spray devices (pepper spray containing Oleoresin Capsicum) for self-defense while investigating child abuse or neglect reports

Requires DCFS, in consultation with Illinois State Police, to identify approved spray devices and develop a training curriculum by January 1, 2023, covering proper device use, de-escalation techniques, pre-contact cues, and situational awareness

Limits spray device use to situations where staff reasonably believe it is necessary to protect against imminent physical assault, no alternative exists, and a verbal warning has been issued (except in exigent circumstances)

Mandates that staff notify supervisors and call 9-1-1 when appropriate after discharging a device, and requires completion of an incident report for each use

Requires DCFS to post annual reports beginning January 1, 2024, detailing the number of trained staff, devices carried, uses by region, and demographic data on incidents including any resulting injuries