Yednock Legislation to Support Correctional Officers Signed Into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing his efforts to support law enforcement, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, sponsored legislation recently signed into law to protect gun ownership for Illinois Department of Correction (IDOC) employees who previously sought mental health treatment. 

“Taking care of your mental health is incredibly important to having a successful life, but seeking treatment shouldn’t prevent someone from doing their job,” said Yednock. “If a Department of Corrections officer is unable to carry a gun, they can be seen as unfit for duty. If a person receives help for mental health struggles and is in a sound state of mind, they should not face additional barriers for the qualifications to do their job.”

Yednock’s legislation, Senate Bill 2249, allows IDOC employees to apply for a FOID renewal directly to the Director of State Police if they have previously been denied FOID renewal for receiving mental health treatment within the last five years. This relief is only available for employees determined by a medical professional to not be a danger towards an officer, employee, the public or themselves. A similar law is already in place for police officers.

“This is much needed legislation to ensure that those medically fit for work are ready to get back into the workforce without worrying of financial hardship due to being unable to do their job,” continued Yednock. “Mental health is important and no one should feel like they cannot receive treatment due to fear that they may suffer consequences in their line of work.”