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.

Senate Bill 2770 passed the full Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.