Joyce measure to expand mental health counseling to coroners signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – County coroners and medical examiners will soon be able to receive mental health counseling if needed, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce that was signed into law.

“This is a great step forward for our local coroners,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Coroners and medical examiners are key members of our investigative system and deserved to be taken care of.”

Senate Bill 2770 will add coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners to the definition of first responders for the purpose of providing them mental health counseling without any cost-sharing.

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Coroners and medical examiners, like other first responders, are regularly exposed to traumatic scenes. This law will ensure they have access to no-cost mental health counseling, promoting workforce well-being and retention. Joyce worked closely with the Will County Coroner’s Office to implement this legislation.

“This is such an important step for our field,” said Will County Coroner Laurie Summers. “Medical examiners and coroners deserve the ability to seek mental support with privacy and without barriers. I would like to thank Senator Joyce for following through on his commitment to support my staff and coroner’s across the state.”

Senate Bill 2770 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027