News

SPRINGFIELD – A new law carried by State Senator Patrick Joyce will increase the max capacity of centerfire hunting rifles.

“Centerfire rifles are often preferred by hunters due to the stopping power needed to cleanly harvest large game, such as deer and elk,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These hunting rifles are also very reliable in freezing, damp or rugged outdoor conditions.”

Senate Bill 2756 will increase the max capacity of centerfire rifles from one to three rounds. This will put Illinois on par with all other states, as Illinois is the only state that institutes a single-shot limit on centerfire rifle capacity. Joyce led previous legislation that formally legalized the use of single shot centerfire rifles for deer hunting season. Since its introduction, centerfire rifle use among youth hunters has jumped to just over 50 percent.

Single-shot rifles increase the possibility of severely wounding a deer without giving hunters the opportunity to humanely put the deer down with a second shot. Non-resident hunters, and some Illinois hunters, either need to modify existing rifles or buy new ones to hunt in Illinois. Joyce’s law could increase the number of non-resident hunters visiting the state on hunting trips. Centerfire rifles are also an easier gun to handle for women and children, which could make hunting more accessible and safe.

SPRINGFIELD – County coroners and medical examiners will soon be able to receive mental health counseling if needed, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce that was signed into law.

“This is a great step forward for our local coroners,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Coroners and medical examiners are key members of our investigative system and deserved to be taken care of.”

Senate Bill 2770 will 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 law will ensure they have access to no-cost mental health counseling, promoting workforce well-being and retention. Joyce worked closely with the Will County Coroner’s Office to implement this legislation.

“This is such an important step for our field,” said Will County Coroner Laurie Summers. “Medical examiners and coroners deserve the ability to seek mental support with privacy and without barriers. I would like to thank Senator Joyce for following through on his commitment to support my staff and coroner’s across the state.”

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging park districts and municipalities in the 40th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Everyone in the community benefits when parks are kept in good shape,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I encourage all those in the 40th District with projects in the works to apply before the coming deadline.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced 21 public libraries and school districts across the 40th District are set to receive more than $385,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“For years, our local libraries have continued to bring people together,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Libraries are not just places you go to check out books. They are also pillars in building tight-knit communities.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.