Sheehan Proposes Mental Health Leave Bill for Law Enforcement Officers (Homer Glen, IL) – State Rep. Patrick Sheehan has introduced legislation aimed at providing Illinois law enforcement officers with dedicated mental health leave following traumatic incidents on the job.
The proposal, House Bill 4715, known as the Law Enforcement Mental Health Leave Act, would establish a statewide standard granting officers five days of paid leave within a 12-month period if they experience a mental health condition tied to a traumatic event encountered in the line of duty.
Sheehan, a veteran police officer with nearly 20 years of experience, said the measure is designed to address the psychological toll officers face in their work.
“Law enforcement officers see things every day that most people never have to experience in their entire lives,” Sheehan said. “When an officer goes through a traumatic event, we owe them the basic support needed to recover and continue serving safely.”
The legislation would require all law enforcement agencies in Illinois to implement clear and confidential mental health leave policies. It also includes protections to prevent retaliation against officers who take leave and ensures that seeking mental health care does not result in disciplinary action.
In addition to police officers, the bill extends coverage to campus police, Illinois Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice employees, as well as local correctional staff—groups that frequently encounter high-stress and potentially traumatic situations.
The bill defines qualifying traumatic events to include officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, mass casualty incidents, and serious injuries or deaths involving officers or civilians, among other situations that may cause significant psychological harm.
Supporters say the measure reflects growing awareness of mental health challenges in law enforcement and the need for formal support systems.
If passed, HB 4715 would create a uniform policy across the state, replacing what advocates say is a patchwork of agency-level practices.
Sheehan represents Illinois’ 37th District, which includes portions of the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
Sheehan Proposes Mental Health Leave Bill for Law Enforcement Officers
