SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies.  In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill through committee that would expand the Comptroller’s powers to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we send our loved ones to be cremated or buried, it is a very sacred task,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “With this legislation we are empowering the Comptroller’s Office to ensure the best practices are followed within the funeral industry.”

House Bill 4695 would expand the Comptroller's powers to investigate a licensed crematory, their records or any other aspects of crematory operation as the Comptroller deems appropriate. It would permit the Comptroller to perform an unannounced inspection of the premises. As part of its investigations, if the Comptroller finds any violation or wrongdoing under the grounds for dismissal that constitute an imminent danger to the public, the Comptroller could suspend the crematory’s license. The bill also implements additional penalties for violations.

SPRINGFIELD – After reviewing findings released by the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, State Senator Patrick Joyce is calling for legislative action that would address the shortage of firefighters and paramedics in the state.

“With this task force we were able gather voices from every angle to bring grounded solutions to the table,” said Joyce (D-Essex), who served as co-chair of the task force. “We had members from both sides of the aisle, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Illinois Municipal League and more.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure through the Senate that would ensure county coroners and medical examiners are able to receive mental health counseling if needed. 

“Coroners are critical in assisting law enforcement and our judicial system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By taking care of these employees we can prevent turnover and burnout.”

Senate Bill 2770 would 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.

Coroners and medical examiners, like other first responders, are regularly exposed to traumatic scenes. This legislation would ensure they have access to no-cost mental health counseling, promoting workforce well-being and retention.

SPRINGFIELD – After calls for change from local communities, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a measure that would expedite safety and infrastructure decisions at problematic intersections on state roads in Will County.

“I think about the communities of Manhattan, Peotone and Manteno who feel helpless when accidents keep happening,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Some of these communities have seen massive growth over the last ten years, and the infrastructure needs to keep up with that growth.”

Senate Bill 3275 would require the Illinois Department of Transportation, in consultation with local agencies, to identify and conduct a road safety assessment of the 10 most hazardous state-controlled intersections in Will County located south of Interstate 80. The legislation would address delays faced by municipalities and counties in the 40^th District when seeking IDOT review.

By requiring a formal safety review and report to the Illinois General Assembly, the bill would prioritize potential fixes, such as design changes, traffic control adjustments or other safety measures, to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety in that region.