Bill would allow Illinois therapists to treat veterans, first responders regardless of non-compete clause

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) - A bill in the Illinois state Senate would allow mental health workers to treat veterans and first responders regardless of any prior non-compete clause.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Paul Faraci, D-Champaign, comes after a therapist in his district was sued for violating a non-compete clause for helping Champaign firefighters.

Faraci said as first responders and veterans deal with job and service-related trauma, it should be easier for them to get the help they need.

“Are there appropriate times for a non-compete? Absolutely, but for me, when it comes to our first responders and our veterans, it’s non-negotiable, and they need as many resources as they possibly can to help them,” Faraci said.

The bill passed through the Senate Labor Committee on Feb. 7. It now heads to the Senate.