SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill that would allow for more humane hunting and an expansion of the hunting industry in Illinois.

“Many hunters I know tend to pass on using centerfire rifles,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we can pass this legislation, we will see a significant increase in the use of this hunting rifle.”

Senate Bill 2756 would increase the max capacity of centerfire rifles from one to three rounds. This would 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.

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

“Our local coroners and medical examiners have the responsibility of examining the scenes of death and determining the circumstances,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These can be some disturbing scenes for anyone to witness.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD – After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement:

“It is no secret that Illinois is in a tight spot. With financial pressure coming from the federal level, we need to be smart and deliberate when it comes to crafting a budget rooted in practicality.

“The Senate is not just a rubber stamp – we will review this proposal thoroughly and make the changes where they are needed. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will work diligently over the next few months, acting as a voice for the hard working residents I know back home.

“We must develop a framework that funds Illinois’ essential programs while giving everyday people the relief they deserve.”

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – State Senator Patrick Joyce helped secure a $484,000 state grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for the Bethel Family Resource Center in Chicago Heights.

“Running five years strong, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has proven its effectiveness in opening doors for residents of the 40^th District,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “With this funding, Bethel Family Resource Center will continue to give the local community pathways to reliable employment.”