Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

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.

Read more: Joyce measure to expand mental health counseling to coroners signed into law

Hastings’ missing persons identification measure signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ getting legislation signed into law that will accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“This legislation hits close to the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Dan Davis, a hardworking man with a routine life suddenly vanishes after what may have been a health crisis. A daughter tirelessly gathering footage, organizing searches and raising awareness. Family and friends left in limbo, wondering if he’s safe, disoriented or in need of help. It reminds us how quickly life can change and how urgently we need better tools to bring people home.”

Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 will update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.

Read more: Hastings’ missing persons identification measure signed into law

Hunter, Sims honor the legacy of Emmett Till

CHICAGO – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a newly signed law to honor July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois.

“Emmett Till’s story is a painful chapter in our nation’s history, but it is one we must continue to remember and teach,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing Emmett Till Day, we honor his life, the courage of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and the generations of advocates who have fought for justice and equality.”

Read more: Hunter, Sims honor the legacy of Emmett Till

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus responds to continued escalation of ICE involvement

CHICAGO— The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement condemning increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the Chicagoland area and beyond, which recently resulted in two fatal shootings:

“Immigrant families across Illinois are living with fear as ICE enforcement continues to escalate in our communities. That fear has only deepened following the fatal shooting of a Colombian man by an ICE agent in Maine this week, coming just days after another immigrant father lost his life during a separate enforcement operation.

“The persecution of our immigrant community needs to stop. ICE needs to leave our cities and leave our communities alone. We need to stand up and fight against the extremists in our country, because our immigrant neighbors deserve to feel protected and safe in our communities.

Read more: Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus responds to continued escalation of ICE involvement