IL SR1386

Illinois Senate mourns the death of Senator Scott Michael Bennett, who died on December 9, 2022, after serving the 52nd District since 2015.

Senator Bennett championed legislation protecting the Mahomet Aquifer water supply, establishing comfort canines in courtrooms for sexual assault victims, and promoting the ABLE Act for financial security of individuals with disabilities.

He secured over $25.9 million in funding for district infrastructure projects and more than $50 million in additional spending for University of Illinois, including $500 million for the Discovery Partners Institute.

Bennett advanced legislation on education affordability (private loan disclosure requirements, tuition assistance), campus sexual violence prevention, criminal justice reform including removal of statute of limitations for sex crimes against minors, and environmental protections against coal ash contamination.

He is survived by his wife Stacy, who completed his term, and children Sam and Emma; the resolution honors his service focused on bipartisanship, community support, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.