Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies. In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill that would expand the comptroller’s ability to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we all pass on one day, our last requests are often to be cremated or buried with dignity and respect,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This means funeral homes must operate at a level of care and professionalism that puts families dealing with loss at ease.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize vehicle law to reflect the growth in agricultural technology, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure through committee that would allow heavier farm wagons and similar agricultural equipment to qualify for existing code exemptions on the road.

“A farmer who operates in my district came to me and helped shine a light on the issue we have here,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We have a farmer who is just trying to move his crops from the field to his grain elevator down the road, and he is getting pulled over for being over a weight limit that hasn’t been adjusted in over 45 years.”

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies. In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill through committee that would expand the Comptroller’s powers to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we send our loved ones to be cremated or buried, it is a very sacred task,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “With this legislation we are empowering the Comptroller’s Office to ensure the best practices are followed within the funeral industry.”

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

“Coroners are critical in assisting law enforcement and our judicial system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By taking care of these employees we can prevent turnover and burnout.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill through the Senate that would increase the max capacity of centerfire hunting rifles.

“Looking at youth hunting, this specific type of rifle is easier to handle and therefore safer to use,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This would put us on par with other states and give a nice boost to the hunting industry statewide.”

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 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 – To give a boost to the horse racing industry and Illinois’ economy, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill in the Senate that would, among multiple other items, allow for the development of new horse racing tracks in Illinois.

“Illinois used to be a powerhouse in horse racing and horse breeding,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are trying to advance the ball on an industry that employs thousands.”

House Bill 2724 would allow for the construction of a new harness track in Macon County. The bill would also set a deadline for the development of an additional harness race track and horse racetrack casino, or racino, in Cook County’s south suburbs.