State Rep. Patrick Sheehan
State Representative Patrick Sheehan, a veteran police officer with nearly two decades of service, has introduced HB 4715, the Law Enforcement Mental Health Leave Act, to ensure Illinois law enforcement officers have guaranteed access to paid mental health leave following traumatic incidents encountered in the line of duty.
“Law Enforcement officers see things every day that most people never have to experience in their entire lives,” said Rep. Sheehan. “When an officer goes through a traumatic event, we owe them the basic support needed to recover and continue serving safely. HB 4715 is one way we can help protect the men and women who protect us.”
HB 4715 establishes a statewide standard granting officers five days of paid mental health leave within a 12‑month period when they experience a mental illness resulting from a traumatic event. The bill requires every law enforcement agency in Illinois to adopt a clear, confidential mental health leave policy and prohibits retaliation against officers who use the leave they are entitled to. This bill also extends these protections to campus police officers, Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice employees, and local correctional staff who routinely face high‑stress, high‑risk situations.
The bill further supports the well‑being of law‑enforcement professionals by making clear that no officer will face punishment for seeking mental‑health care. This safeguard ensures an officer’s job and dignity remain protected.
Under the legislation, a “traumatic event” includes officer‑involved shootings, in‑custody deaths, multiple‑casualty incidents, serious injuries or deaths of officers or civilians, and other events that cause significant emotional or psychological harm.
Rep. Sheehan proudly serves the people of the 37th District.