Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has signed legislation into law sponsored by local State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) dealing with SUDEP or Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. SUDEP is the unexpected death of an otherwise healthy person with epilepsy, typically occurring during or after a seizure, often in their sleep.
SUDEP is considered rare, affecting about 1 in 1,000 adults with epilepsy annually, but it is the leading cause of epilepsy-related death. Most incidents are unwitnessed and occur at night or during sleep. While the exact mechanisms are unclear, it is believed to be caused by seizure-related disruptions in breathing, heart rhythm, or brain function following a seizure.
The bill was filed in the state Senate by local State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia).
The new law takes effect January 1, 2027.