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SB 1924

FIRST RESPONDER MEDAL OF HONOR

104th Regular Session Introduced by Paul Faraci and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes Illinois' First Responder Medal of Honor, awarded by the Governor to police, firefighters, and EMS personnel for conspicuous gallantry; eligibility set by IEMA/OHS.

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Bill Summary · SB 1924

SB 1924 — First Responder Medal of Honor Act

Status: Introduced in 2025 (Sen. Michael W. Halpin); Chief Co‑Sponsor added: Sen. Paul Faraci. Passed one chamber 4/28/2025; received in the other chamber and referred to committee 4/30/2025. Not enacted.

Purpose

Establishes a state-level First Responder Medal of Honor to recognize first responders who display “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” at risk of life, performing acts above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in public service.

Key provisions

  • Short title: First Responder Medal of Honor Act.
  • Definitions: “Department” means the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA/OHS). “First responder” includes:
    • Law enforcement officers (per Line of Duty Compensation Act),
    • Firefighters (per Line of Duty Compensation Act),
    • Emergency medical service personnel (per EMS Systems Act).
  • Award authority: The Governor may award the First Responder Medal of Honor to eligible first responders who meet the conspicuous gallantry standard.
  • Eligibility determination: IEMA/OHS is the agency responsible for determining eligibility; only those deemed eligible by the Department may receive the medal.
  • Recommendations:
    • A first responder’s employer may recommend a first responder who has been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
    • A member of the General Assembly may recommend a first responder who resides, works, or dies in the legislator’s district.
    • The Department must consider every recommendation submitted under these provisions.
  • Presentation: The Governor determines the time and place of the public ceremony; medals may be presented to the recipient or the recipient’s next of kin.
  • Rulemaking: IEMA/OHS must adopt rules to implement and administer the Act.

Who is affected

  • Potential recipients: Illinois law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel meeting the high bravery standard.
  • Nominators: employers (limited to cases of death/serious injury) and state legislators for constituents in their districts.
  • Implementing entity: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security; Governor’s office for presentation.
  • No direct monetary award or appropriation language is included in the text.

Notes on status and impact

  • The bill creates an honorary award and a process but does not specify funding, additional benefits, or statutory changes to compensation systems.
  • Administrative rulemaking will be required to establish detailed procedures (e.g., submission forms, review criteria, timelines).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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