Illinois Law Expands Free Mental Health Counseling to Coroners and Medical Examiners (Springfield, IL) – County coroners and medical examiners across Illinois will soon have access to no-cost mental health counseling under legislation signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Senate Bill 2770, sponsored by State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), expands the state’s definition of first responders to include coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners for the purpose of receiving mental health counseling without cost-sharing.
“This is a great step forward for our local coroners,” Joyce said in a statement. “Coroners and medical examiners are key members of our investigative system and deserved to be taken care of.”
The new law recognizes that coroners and medical examiners routinely encounter traumatic death investigations and other emotionally challenging situations similar to those faced by firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel.
By extending first responder mental health benefits to these professionals, lawmakers hope to improve workforce well-being, reduce barriers to seeking care and support employee retention.
Joyce worked with the Will County Coroner’s Office in developing the legislation.
Will County Coroner Laurie Summers praised the measure, saying it will provide important support for professionals in the field.
“This is such an important step for our field,” Summers said. “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 coroners across the state.”
Senate Bill 2770 was signed into law Friday and is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Illinois Law Expands Free Mental Health Counseling to Coroners and Medical Examiners
