Chicago City Wire

Sen. Bill Cunningham shared a press release on July 28 announcing that his bill to provide mental health support and education for law enforcement officers who are facing post-traumatic stress disorder has been signed into law. Cunningham was the chief sponsor of the bill in the Illinois Senate, and Rep. Mary Gill championed the bill in the House.

"We created a supportive resource for officers seeking help after specific traumatic situations and for PTSD. This will provide law enforcement officers with the support and resources they need to manage their mental health," Cunningham said.

Senate Bill 1543 creates the position of Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator. This individual will be appointed by the Governor, and approved by the Senate. The term will last four years, and during that time the coordinator will “shall be responsible for implementing a program of mental health support and education for law enforcement officers.” Sen. Cunningham introduced the bill on Feb. 8 and it moved to the House on March 4. It passed both houses on May 19, then was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on July 28. The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Instead of requiring that police departments develop plans to address post-traumatic stress disorder in officers, the bill is meant to provide a resource that can be used when officers and departments are looking for resources. Rep. Mary Gill supported the bill in the House of Representatives. In the news release, she discussed what she believed was the importance of this bill.

“Law enforcement do many things to keep us safe, many times we don’t even realize how much safer our communities are because of them. They deserve to have mental health resources available that are accessible and can be used when they so choose," Gill said in the release.

Legislators aren’t the only ones trying to create resources for officers who may be struggling. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police created a new wellness program, and sought participants in February, according to a report from The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Applicants were expected to commit to three years in the Peer Wellness program and be available 24 hours per day.

Cunningham was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2013, after spending a year in the Illinois House of Representatives. He is a lifelong resident of the 18th District, which he serves. He has also been a member of the Sutherland Local School Council. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two daughters, according to his legislative biography.