SPRINGFIELD –First responders will have more access to overnight child care, allowing them to go to work without having to worry about finding someone to watch their children thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Our first responders often work through the night to keep our community safe,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Like all parents, first responders struggle with child care concerns. I’m glad this legislation begins to address child care access for those men & women who sacrifice personally and physically for this job.”

Many first responders have struggled to find child care coverage for later shifts. The new law requires the Department of Human Services to establish an off-hours child care program to help first responders access child care for night or overnight shifts so they can work without worrying about their child’s safety. It also creates an Off-hours Child Care Program fund to finance the program through the state treasury.

“It can be difficult for first responders to find child care when working essential overnight shifts,” Murphy said. “This law addresses this oversight, and may even encourage people to become first responders without worry that they would not have access to child care.”

HB 1571 was signed into law Friday, May 27. It goes into effect January 1, 2023.