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SB 1195

TRAUMA-INFORMED RESPONSE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Balkema and 32 co-sponsors

Illinois first responders must complete trauma‑informed response training with ongoing refreshers; noncompliance can bar trauma duties and affect certification.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0084
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Bill Summary · SB 1195

SB 1195 — "First Responder Trauma‑Informed Response Training Act" (Anna’s Law)

Public Act 104‑0084

Purpose / Intent

SB 1195 establishes statewide, mandatory trauma‑informed response training for first responders in Illinois (referred to in the Act as the First Responder Trauma‑Informed Response Training Act, or “Anna’s Law”). The purpose is to ensure first responders use trauma‑informed, victim‑centered practices to reduce retraumatization of victims and improve interactions with people experiencing mental health crises, disability, abuse, trafficking, or other trauma.

Key provisions

  • Creates a statutory requirement that first responders complete a mandatory, pass/fail trauma‑informed response training established by the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) prior to onboarding (hiring) and then every 18 months thereafter.
  • If more than 18 months elapse without completing the retraining, the first responder is prohibited from performing trauma‑related duties (examples given: responding to emergency calls, taking statements, interviewing victims).
  • For individuals who are state‑certified or licensed, failure to complete required retraining may result in decertification by the certifying entity or license revocation by the licensing entity.
  • Directs DPH to adopt rules to implement the training program; rules may allow or require use of training programs developed by universities, colleges, or not‑for‑profit entities.
  • Limits home‑rule units from regulating trauma‑informed training and first responder employment in a way inconsistent with the Act (i.e., the Act preempts conflicting local rules).
  • Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Police Training Act and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act to incorporate trauma‑informed content into law enforcement and EMS curricula.

Changes to police/EMS training curriculum (notable additions)

  • Curriculum must include a block addressing trauma‑informed programs, procedures, and practices aimed at minimizing victim traumatization.
  • Specific training required on: trauma‑informed and age‑sensitive interviewing (domestic violence and sexual assault), victim rights, mental health crisis recognition (including addiction), officer stress and peer support consistent with Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act, autism and developmental/physical disabilities interactions, detection/investigation of human trafficking, and trauma‑aware handling of children of arrested caregivers.
  • Probationary law enforcement officers must receive specified hours of practical instruction (e.g., at least 12 hours of scenario‑based role play; at least 6 hours on use‑of‑force including de‑escalation; at least 6 hours on high‑risk traffic stops). Permanent officers receive refresher/in‑service and advanced/supervisory options.

Who is affected

  • First responders defined in the Act: law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and public safety telecommunicators.
  • Training affects both new hires (pre‑onboarding requirement) and incumbent responders (retraining every 18 months).
  • Certifying and licensing entities (state or subdivisions) that may enforce decertification or license revocation for noncompliance.

Implementation & timeline

  • Department of Public Health rulemaking authorized to define training content, delivery, and acceptable providers (including third‑party university/ nonprofit programs).
  • Training requirement: initial completion before onboarding; recurrent retraining every 18 months.
  • If retraining lapses >18 months, affected first responders are barred from trauma‑related duties until retraining is completed; certification/license sanctions may follow for certified/licensed personnel.

Legislative / procedural status

  • Introduced Feb 10, 2025. Passed both houses and enrolled.
  • Enacted as Public Act 104‑0084. Governor approval noted in 2025; bill records indicate an effective date of January 1, 2026.

Potential impacts

  • Standardizes trauma‑informed practice expectations statewide for multiple first responder disciplines.
  • May require agencies to schedule recurring training and track compliance (administrative costs/time).
  • Could remove noncompliant responders from trauma‑related duties pending retraining, and expose certifying/licensing entities to new enforcement responsibilities.
  • Anticipated to improve victim interactions and reduce retraumatization, while increasing formalization of mental‑health and trauma awareness in responder education.

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

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