SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure to strengthen protections for first responders who are injured or become ill in the line of duty.
“This measure is about helping the people who risk their lives for our safety,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “First responders should not have their pay penalized for becoming injured or ill, which can happen in dangerous situations.”
In 2023, there were 10.1 firefighter injuries in Illinois per 1,000 fires, and there were 48,000 Illinois police officers injuries or illnesses in 2023. Aware that many of these workers depend on their salary and do not always have enough money saved to help them through their non-working time, Loughran Cappel is leading House Bill 4491 to ensure these local heroes receive the recognition they are due.
The legislation would require public employers to maintain first responders’ base salary if they suffer an injury or illness while in the line of duty that renders them unable to do their jobs. This would include taxes, union dues, pension contributions and insurance premiums. However, the first responder would still have to pay taxes on the money if it is part of their adjusted gross income.
Currently, employers must withhold both state and federal taxes from disability payments, but the payments do not count toward the first responder’s adjusted gross income. First responders also collect less than their full salary while receiving disability payments.
“Numerous first responders who receive disability payments after getting injured or sick on the job rely on their salaries to pay essential living costs, but benefits typically only replace a portion of their previous salaries,” said Loughran Cappel. “By not withholding taxes and other deductions from disability payments, we can pay back first responders for everything they do to keep us safe and protect our communities.”
House Bill 4491 passed the Senate Wednesday.
