GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS SIGNING A HANDFUL OF NEW LAWS TO BEEF UP THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE AND HELP FIRST RESPONDERS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. 

ONE NEW LAW LIFTS THE REQUIREMENT OF A BACHELOR’S DEGREE TO BECOME A STATE TROOPER. INSTEAD, APPLICANTS WILL NEED AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR 60 HOURS OF COLLEGE CREDIT. ACTING DIRECTOR BRENDAN KELLY SAYS THEY DON’T WANT TO EXCLUDE ANY GOOD CANDIDATES.

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS ONE NEW LAW ESTABLISHES A PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND A SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE.

ADDITIONALLY, VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT WILL BE ABLE TO ELECTRONICALLY TRACK IF THEIR RAPE KIT HAS BEEN PROCESSED.