Peoria Standard

First responders play a key role in public safety, responding to emergencies and disasters across the United States. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are about 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders nationwide, including approximately 1.1 million firefighters—most of whom are volunteers—about 800,000 police officers, and over 240,000 paramedics and EMTs. These professionals answer around 240 million calls each year.

The demands of their work expose first responders to stressful situations that can impact their mental health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as depression or PTSD, compared to 20% in the general population.

Illinois lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at supporting these workers. Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen), who has nearly two decades of experience as a police officer, proposed HB1634 to provide a tax credit of up to $250 for unreimbursed wellness expenses for those serving at least ten months per year. He also co-sponsored HB2551 with Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), which reinstates the First Responders Suicide Task Force focused on addressing mental health challenges among emergency personnel. “I’ve seen the challenges firsthand, with departments struggling to recruit and first responders dealing with financial strain or mental health struggles,” Rep. Sheehan said. “We can and must do better.”

Representative John M. Cabello (R-Machesney Park), who has served nearly thirty years as a police officer, introduced HB1031 establishing penalties for interfering with emergency personnel after being warned to stay back—a Class A misdemeanor offense under the bill. He has also opposed proposals allowing individuals to use mental health conditions as a defense for violent crimes against officers: “To excuse bad and violent behavior under the guise of mental health is totally inappropriate,” Rep. John M. Cabello said. “This idea puts officers at greater risk and dismisses the seriousness of mental health issues.”

Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), formerly a volunteer firefighter, put forward HB1324 offering a $500 income tax credit for full-time police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers due to financial pressures faced by these groups. Another measure from Ugaste, HB2357, would make it a Class 4 felony to block emergency responders on public roadways for more than five minutes during demonstrations or protests: “When it comes to public safety, we must hold people accountable,” Rep. Ugaste said. “What happens when a fire truck can’t get through, or an ambulance is delayed? Lives could be at stake, and first responders cannot be held up in this manner.”

House Republican members often meet with leaders from the first responder community through roundtable discussions aimed at shaping legislative solutions based on direct feedback from those in the field.

Recently Representatives Ugaste and Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) hosted their annual First Responders Roundtable attended by dozens of police and fire chiefs from northern Illinois communities. Last year’s event led to legislation removing barriers preventing some firefighters from operating emergency vehicles; this year’s discussion addressed regulatory concerns related to ebikes/escooters and misuse of Illinois’ FOIA law by commercial entities seeking profit opportunities.“Our first responders go to work every day ready to put their lives on the line to protect our families, and it’s more important than ever that we listen to the issues they face and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs protecting our communities,” Rep. Keicher said.

Rep. Ryan Spain is among those supporting efforts for first responder well-being; he was elected in 2017 as representative for Illinois’ 73rd House District https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2922.

These legislative actions highlight ongoing efforts by Illinois lawmakers—including both current legislators with backgrounds as first responders—to address needs ranging from financial relief and legal protections to improved access for emergency services.