The Illinois 103rd General Assembly will end in January 2025
when the 104th General Assembly begins on January 6, 2025.
The House and Senate have been out and haven't had any meetings
recently. The next time they will be in session is during the Veto
Sessions in November. Veto session is held for six days every fall
to allow the General Assembly to take action on bills that the
governor has vetoed. Since the governor hasn't vetoed any bills in
the 2nd session of the 104rd GA, we need to keep in mind the veto
session is not limited to bills that have been vetoed, meaning
almost anything could be called over the upcoming veto session.
What follows are several bills in the General Assembly that have
an impact on veterans.
To research any bill the Illinois General Assembly Site at
https://ilga.gov
Type in bill number (must be 4 numbers after the HB or SB)
I encourage those interested to visit or bookmark a link to Illinois
General Assembly Dashboard at https://my.ilga.gov
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Legislation considered during the 103rd General Assembly that
became public law or resolutions that were adopted:
HB0612 - REVENUE-TECH Rep Kifowit
Public Act 103-0596, 7/1/24
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the
Property Tax Code. In a Section granting a homestead exemption to
veterans with disabilities, provides that property that is used as a
qualified residence by a veteran who was a member of the United
States Armed Forces during World War II is exempt from taxation
regardless of the veteran's level of disability. Provides that a
veteran who qualifies as a result of his or her service in World War
II need not reapply for the exemption. Makes changes concerning
service-connected disabilities. Makes changes concerning surviving
spouses. Effective immediately.
HB4661 - PUBLIC UTILITIES-INFASTRUCTURE
Public Act 103-0679, 7/19/24
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that no electric
utility shall establish or maintain any unreasonable difference as
to rates or other charges, services, contractual terms, or
facilities for access to or the use of its utility infrastructure by
another person or for any other purpose. Amends the Electric Service
Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997. Prohibits an electric
utility in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more from
authorizing any other person or granting any other person the right,
by agreement, lease, license, or otherwise, to access, control, use,
or operate any electric utility’s infrastructure, facilities, or
assets of any kind or to deliver or provide to the electric
utility’s retail customers or any other person’s customers,
broadband services, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services,
telecommunications services, or cable or video programming services.
Specifies, however, that an electric utility in a county with a
population of 3,000,000 or more may authorize or grant another
person the right to access or use the electric utility’s
infrastructure, facilities, or assets, including, but not limited
to, middle mile infrastructure, to facilitate the delivery of
broadband services to Illinois residential and commercial customers
on the condition that the access to and use of that electric
utility’s infrastructure, facilities, and assets (A) be granted on
a non-discriminatory, non-exclusive, and competitively neutral
basis; and (B) comply with all other State and federal laws, rules,
and regulations, including, but not limited to, all applicable
safety codes and requirements. Provides that, if there is any
dispute regarding the terms, rates, or conditions of access to or
use of the electric utility’s infrastructure, facilities, and
assets to facilitate the delivery of broadband services to Illinois
residential and commercial customers, then the Commission shall hear
and decide the dispute upon petition of any party. Provides that
nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to alter or
diminish the rights or obligations of any person nor shall it be
deemed to conflict with the federal Pole Attachment Act. Specifies
that these prohibitions become inoperative after December 31, 2027.
Defines terms. Effective immediately.
HB4757 - VETS-BENEFITS NOTICE POSTER
Public Act 103-0828, 8/9/24
Amends the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act. Provides that
the Department of Veterans Affairs shall create, and the Department
of Labor shall make available, at no cost, a veterans and service
members’ benefits, services, and protections poster. Requires the
poster to include, but not be limited to, information regarding free
veterans’ benefits and services provided by the Illinois
Department of Veterans Affairs and other veterans service
organizations, tax benefits, the Illinois veteran driver’s license
and non-driver veteran identification card, and Illinois protections
for survivors of sexual violence in the military. Requires the
poster to also include contact information for the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Department of Veterans
Affairs; and the Veterans Crisis Line. Effective January 1, 2025.
HB5640 - VETERANS-SPACE FORCE
Became Public Act 103-0746, 8/2/24
Amends the Statute on Statutes. Provides that whenever there is
a reference in any Act to "armed forces”, "armed forces
of the United States”, "U.S. Armed Forces”, "United
States Armed Forces”, or "uniformed services”, these terms
shall be construed to include the United States Space Force. Amends
the Flag Display Act, the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code,
the Veterans Preference Act, the Veterans Burial Places Act, and
various other Acts. In all occurrences of the definition for "armed
forces of the United States” and "member of the Armed
Services or Reserve Forces of the United States” expands the list
of armed forces branches to include the Space Force. Makes
conforming changes in the definition of "veteran” under the
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law, in the
definition of "military service” under the Illinois Pension
Code, and in a provision under the Veterans Burial Places Act that
lists the various military branches that make up the Reserve
Officers Training Corps. Makes other conforming changes.
HB5655 -VETERANS’ SERVICES TASK FORCE
Became Public Act 103-0871, 8/9/24
Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that the
governing board of each public institution of higher education shall
adopt a policy to allow a student who is a member of the National
Guard of any state, the District of Columbia, a commonwealth, or a
territory of the United States or any reserve component of the Armed
Forces of the United States to submit classwork and complete any
other class assignments missed due to the student participating in a
drill required as a member of the National Guard or the reserve
component.
HR0506 - SUPPORT FAMILY CAREGIVERS Veteran Caregiver
Benefits
Resolution Adopted 5/3/24
Urges the passage of important policies to better support family
caregivers, particularly by enacting policies that: (1) provide
increased funding for Illinois’ Community Care Program, Home
Delivered Meals, the Illinois Family Caregiver Act, Illinois Area
Agencies on Aging, Illinois Case Coordination Units, Long-Term and
Home Care Ombudsman, and other older adult programs and resources
for Illinois caregivers at the Illinois Department on Aging and
other State agencies, and examine policy changes to improve the
navigability of these resources, (2) improve the inclusion of family
caregivers in their loved one’s care and hospital discharge and
planning, and provide them with the education, training, and support
they need, including as their loved one moves from one place of care
to another, in Hospital at Home programs, in Medicare more broadly,
and in measures of provider engagement with and in support of family
caregivers and family caregivers’ experience of care and support,
and support veterans and their caregivers, (3) increase access to
options and eligibility for care at home, including but not limited
to providing permanent financial protections for the spouses of
individuals receiving Medicaid Home and Community Based Services,
incentivizing Home and Community Based Services expansion, expanding
caregiver and senior support options and resources in the State’s
Community Care Program, and more, (4) attract and retain direct care
workers through increased pay and benefits, improved training,
career pathways, and other job improvement initiatives, and (5)
provide financial relief for family caregivers, such as through a
family caregiver income tax credit, to help offset a portion of
caregiving expenses paid by caregivers.
SB2626 - CRIM ID ACT-EXPUNGEMENT FILING
- Expungement from Veterans Treatment Court
Became Public Act 103-0755, 8/2/24
Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that, in
anticipation of the successful completion of a diversion program, a
petitioner may file a petition for expungement at least 61 days
before the anticipated dismissal of the case. Provides that, if a
petition is filed, and upon the successful completion of the
diversion program and dismissal of the case, the court shall review
the petition and shall grant expungement if the petitioner meets all
requirements. Amends the Drug Court Treatment Act, the Veterans and
Servicemembers Court Treatment Act, and the Mental Health Court
Treatment Act to make conforming changes.
SB3479 - Claim Shark Amendment
Became Public Act 103-0783, 8/6/24
Amends provisions of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business
Practices Act concerning deceptive practices targeting veterans and
military members. Changes the definition of "veteran or
military benefits services” to any services offered or provided to
a veteran, military member, or family member who is entitled to
receive benefits under federal, State, or local law, policy, or
practice as a result of, at least in part, qualifying military
service. Such services include assistance, consulting or coaching in
the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of claims or other
attempts to obtain benefits, increase benefits, or appeal a decision
related to obtaining or increasing benefits. Adds a veterans
services disclosure to be made by any person providing veteran or
military benefits services. Makes it an unlawful practice for any
person providing veteran or military benefits services to fail at
the outset of the business relationship to clearly provide, both
orally and in writing, veterans services disclosures when veteran or
military benefits services are provided in exchange for any
financial compensation, benefit or thing of value. Makes other
changes.
Legislation of the 103rd General Assembly that remains to be
considered:
HB4128 - VETERANS DAY-PAID LEAVE
Filed with the Clerk 8/23/23
4/5/24 Re-referred to the Rules Committee
Creates the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. On and after January 1,
2025, requires each employer to provide each employee who is a
veteran with a paid day off on Veterans Day if the employee would
otherwise be required to work on that day. Provides that the
employee must provide notice to the employer that he or she intends
to take time off on Veterans Day and must provide the employer with
documentation verifying that he or she is a veteran. Amends the
Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount
equal to 100% of the wages paid by the taxpayer to a veteran as a
result of the paid day off required under the Veterans Day Paid
Leave Act. Effective immediately.
HB4187 - REPEAL ILLINOIS TRUST ACT Changes to Illinois ID
Card
Filed with the Clerk 10/23/24
10/25/24 Referred to Rules Committee
Repeals the Illinois TRUST Act. Makes corresponding changes in
the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Effective immediately
HB4574 - CD CORR-AGGRAVATING FACTORS Crimes Against
Veteran, aggravated circumstance
Filed with the Clerk 1/24/24
1/31/24 Referred to Rules Committee
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that if the
defendant committed the offense in or on the grounds of a hospital,
ambulatory surgical treatment center, physician’s office, or other
medical facility that treats patients and the offense was a crime of
violence committed against a licensed health care professional or an
employee of a hospital, ambulatory surgical treatment center,
physician’s office, or other medical facility that treats
patients, this factor shall be accorded weight in favor of imposing
a term of imprisonment or may be considered by the court as a reason
to impose a more severe sentence. The act already provides for acts
against the elderly, members of the Armed Forces, veterans
performing duties as a representative of a veterans' organization.
HB4599 - HOME MODIFICATION PROGRAM ACT
Filed with the Clerk 1/29/24
4/5/24 Re-referred to Rules Committee
Creates the Home Modification Program Act. Provides that the
purpose of the Act is to establish a home modification funding
system that is streamlined, effective, and administered by experts
within the disability community. Provides that, subject to
appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish a
Home Modification Program to provide financial assistance to persons
with disabilities for home modification projects. Requires the
Department to designate a statewide association that represents
centers for independent living to serve as the lead agency to
administer the program. Requires the Department to provide funding
for the Program. Requires the lead agency to distribute any moneys
it receives from the Department to the State’s 22 centers for
independent living, covering all 102 counties. Provides that the
lead agency shall ensure that each center for independent living has
access to at least $105,000 to use for home modification projects,
with the excess funds subject to reallocation during the 4th fiscal
quarter of each year. Contains provisions concerning eligibility
requirements for applicants under the Program; the lead agency’s
establishment of a Home Modification Subcommittee to provide
additional oversight of the home modification projects; and an
administrative fee to the lead agency.
HB4677 - CAREGIVER ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
Filed with the Clerk 2/1/24
4/19/24 Passed House
4/24/24 Arrive in Senate
5/17/24 Re-referred to Assignments
Creates the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal
Act. Requires the Department on Aging, in consultation with the
Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of
Public Health, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to be
responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Illinois
Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal (Portal). Provides that the
Portal shall serve as a centralized and trusted online platform
offering a wide range of resources related to caregiving, including,
but not limited to: (1) information on State and federal programs,
benefits, and resources on caregiving, long-term care, and at-home
care for Illinois residents who are 50 years of age or older; (2)
educational materials, articles, and videos on caregiving best
practices; and (3) accommodations for users with different language
preferences, ensuring the information is accessible to diverse
audiences. Sets forth additional resources and information that the
Portal may feature, such as information on caregiving resources,
home and community-based services that support family caregivers,
nursing home care, services and programs offered by Area Agencies on
Aging, relevant health care and financial assistance programs, and
local support group opportunities for caregivers. Requires the
Portal to be designed to be user-friendly and accessible to
individuals of all ages and abilities and to include features such
as search functionality, language accessibility, and compatibility
with assistive technologies to ensure that a diverse range of
caregivers can use it. Contains provisions concerning required
outreach and promotional campaign efforts to raise awareness of the
Portal, reporting requirements, and State and federal funding for
the Portal. Requires the Portal to be implemented one year after the
effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.
Provides that the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal
shall be implemented 3 years (rather than one year) after the
effective date of the Act. House
Committee Amendment No. 2adopted
4/18/24
Makes the creation and establishment of the Illinois Caregiver
Assistance and Resource Portal subject to appropriation.
HB4868 - VETS-IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Filed with Clerk 2/6/24
2/7/24 Referred to Rules Committee
Amends the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act. Establishes a
military immigrant family legacy program within the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs. Requires the program to be jointly developed
and implemented by the Director of Veterans’ Affairs (Director)
and the Adjutant General of the Department of Military Affairs, in
consultation with the Department of Human Services’ Office of
Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services. Provides that
the primary purpose of the program shall be to assist uniformed
service members, veterans, reserve component members, and their
family members to secure legal immigration status in the United
States, including, but not limited to, citizenship. Provides that 2
military immigrant family legacy program coordinators shall be
appointed to administer the program. Sets forth the coordinators’
duties, including, but not limited to: (1) assisting intended
recipients, who may qualify for adjustment of status, special
immigration status through the federal Parole in Place program, or
any other sort of immigration relief, including relief that can lead
to citizenship; communicating with the Director and the Adjutant
General and the Department of Human Services’ Office of Welcoming
Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services regarding existing
policies and regulations pertaining to the needs of intended
recipients and to make recommendations regarding the improvement of
benefits and services to such intended recipients; and (3)
developing and maintaining a clearinghouse for information and
resources relating to the program as well as other federal, State,
local, and nonprofit programs that may offer assistance to intended
recipients in immigration matters. Requires program coordinators to
submit a report to the Director and the Adjutant General on January
1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter that provides a description
and evaluation of the coordinators’ activities for the preceding
calendar year as well as any recommendations for future programmatic
changes. Requires the Director and the Adjutant General to jointly
submit the report on an annual basis to the Governor and the General
Assembly. Makes conforming changes to the Department of Human
Services Act and the Military Code of Illinois.
HB5074 - MEDICAL RECORDS-COPY EXPENSE
Filed with Clerk 2/8/24
2/8/24 Referred to Rules Committee
Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Prohibits a health care
provider from charging a handling fee for providing medical records
to a patient or patient’s representative if they are electronic
records retrieved from a scanning, digital imaging, electronic
information, or other digital format in an electronic document.
Repeals the annual adjustment for the handling fee for inflation.
HB5653 - VETERANS’ SERVICES TASK FORCE
Filed with the Clerk 2//9/24
Passed House on 4/17/24
Arrived in Senate 4/18/24
5/17/24 Re-referred to Assignments
Amends the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act. Reenacts a
provision concerning the Veterans’ Service-Related Ailments Task
Force repealed by Public Act 102-417. Changes the name of the
Veterans’ Service-Related Ailments Task Force to the Veterans’
Services Task Force. Changes the frequency of Task Force meetings to
at least twice a year and at any other times the Task Force deems
necessary. Requires the Task Force to submit its report to the
Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2025. Repeals the
provisions creating the Task Force on December 31, 2026. Effective
immediately.
WE OPPOSE HB4680VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Introduced 2/1/24, in Rules Committee 2/6/24
Amends the Veteran Service Organizations
State Charter Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Veteran
Service Organizations Equal Act. Provides that a veteran service
organization shall be considered to have veteran service
organization status (rather than shall be considered state
chartered). Requires
a veteran service organization to have annual expenditures that
demonstrate that 20% (rather than a majority) of the organization's
expenses reflect support for veterans in order to qualify for
veteran service organization status.WE OPPOSE
SB2315 - INC TX-STANDARD EXEMPTION
Override of Gov veto on Homestead Exemption Provision now in the
Senate Assignment Committee
Filed with the Secretary 2/10/23
3/29/23 Passed Senate 3/30/23 Arrived in House
11/8/23 House Floor Amendment 1 (HFA 31) Filed
11/9/23 Passed House
11/9/23 Arrived Senate on calender for concurrence of HFA #1
12/10/23 Referred to Assignments
HFA #1 to SB 2315—Replaces everything after the enacting
clause. Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section granting a
homestead exemption to veterans with disabilities, provides that
property that is used as a qualified residence by a veteran who was
a member of the United States Armed Forces during World War II is
exempt from taxation regardless of the veteran's level of
disability. Provides that a veteran who qualifies as a result of his
or her service in World War II need not reapply for the exemption.
Makes changes concerning service-connected disabilities. Makes
changes concerning surviving spouses.
SB2665 - OMA-SERVICE MEMBER ATTENDANCE
Filed with Secretary 1/10/24
4/9/24 Passed Senate, arrived House
4/10/24 Referred to Rules Committee
5/31/24 Re-referred to Rules Committee
Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that, if a quorum of the
members of the public body is physically present, a majority of the
public body may allow a member of that body to attend the meeting by
other means if the member is prevented from physically attending
because of performance of active military duty as a service member.
Defines "active military duty” and "service member”.
SB2666 - MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS LEAVE
Filed with Secretary 1/10/24
6/26/24 Referred to Assignments
Amends the Family Military Leave Act. Changes the name of the
Act to the "Military Leave Act”. Provides that an employee
may use up to 8 hours per calendar month to participate in a funeral
honors detail, up to a total of 40 hours per calendar year, or more
if authorized by the employer or if provided for in a collective
bargaining agreement. Provides for requirements to take leave for
funeral honors details. Provides that an employee that takes leave
may do so in lieu of, and without having exhausted, his or her
vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, or any other
leave that may be granted to the employee, including sick leave and
disability leave. Defines terms. Provides that the employer of an
employee that takes leave must pay the employee his or her regular
rate of pay for the leave taken to participate in a funeral honors
detail. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
SB2674 -PROCUREMENT-VETERAN PREF
Filed with Secretary 1/10/24
6/26/24 Referred to Assignments
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the
certification of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and
veteran-owned small businesses is an exclusive power and function of
the State. Denies home rule powers. Effective immediately.
SB2700 - PROP-TX-DISABLED VETERAN
Filed with Secretary 1/10/24
5/3/24 Re-referred to Assignments
Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the
homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, provides that
the exemption applies to all real property that is the primary
residence of a veteran with a disability (currently, property with
an equalized assessed value of less than $250,000 that is the
primary residence of a veteran with a disability). Provides that,
with respect to veterans with a service connected disability of 70%
or more and surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were
service-connected, the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of
the property is exempt. Link
SB2751 - LOCAL-DISABLED VET PERMIT FEE Home Improvement
due to Disability
Became Public Act 103-0621, 7/1/24
Amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal
Code. Provides that a veteran with a disability or the veteran’s
caregiver shall not be charged any building permit fee for
improvements to the residence of the veteran with a disability if
the improvements are required to accommodate a disability of the
veteran. Provides that the applications, forms, and other paperwork
required to obtain a building permit must still be submitted. Limits
the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective January 1,
2025.
SB2950 - VETS-MENTAL HLTH CASE MANAGER
Filed with Secretary 1/31/24
5/3/24 Re-referred to Assignments
Amends the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act. Provides that
a veterans case manager shall be appointed by the Director of
Veterans’ Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Financial
and Professional Regulation and the Secretary of Human Services, to
assist veterans in obtaining the greatest degree of mental health
care and mental health care benefits available and to promote
policies that would benefit veterans seeking mental health care.
Provides that the case manager shall serve at the pleasure of the
Director of Veterans’ Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the
veterans case manager, including, to: (i) act as an intermediary
between health care facilities and veterans health care facilities;
(ii) provide information to veterans and health care facilities
regarding mental health services available to veterans; (iii) apply
for, receive, and administer federal aids, grants, and gifts
relating to inpatient mental health services for veterans; (iv)
encourage physicians, nurses, and other individuals working in
mental health care who have military experience to work in Illinois;
and (v) collaborate with health care facilities in identifying, upon
a person’s admission to a health care facility, the person’s
eligibility for federal veterans benefits, including prescription
drug benefits. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires the
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to adopt rules
requiring hospitals, upon identifying a person requiring mental
health services as a veteran, to establish and implement certain
protocols including (1) contacting the veterans case manager
regarding the veteran’s admission, (2) identifying whether the
veteran is at risk for causing harm to the veteran’s self or
others, and (3) preventing the hospital from treating a veteran with
less or different care than nonveteran patients solely because of a
person’s veteran status. Amends the Department of Professional
Regulation Law. Requires the Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation to establish rules requiring licensed health
care professionals, as specified, to receive continuing education
credits regarding the treatment of veterans as a condition of
license renewal.
SB3074 - VEH CD-REG FEES-VETERANS-WAIVE
Filed with Secretary 2/2/24
2/2/24 Referred to Assignments
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the standard
registration fee for passenger motor vehicles of the first division
and motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than
8,000 pounds shall be waived for any veteran who holds proof from
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of a
service-connected disability.
SB3417 - VETERANS COURT-PTSD-PROCEDURES
Filed with Secretary 2/8/24
2/8/24 Referred to Assignments
Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act.
Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected disability is
arrested for or charged with a criminal offense and there is prima
facie evidence that the veteran was suffering from an episode of
post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition
during the commission of the offense, there is a rebuttable
presumption that the veteran is eligible to participate in a
veterans and servicemembers court program, and after the arrest or
charge, the following procedures shall take place: (1) the veteran
shall be evaluated and treated as soon as practicable by a qualified
medical professional for post-traumatic stress disorder and any
other mental health condition or disorder; and (2) the court shall
order a screening and clinical needs assessment and risk assessment
and a mental health and substance use disorder screening and
assessment. Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected
disability is charged for the first time with a criminal offense,
including a felony, except certain offenses that would make him or
her ineligible to participate in a veterans and servicemembers court
program, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or a
related mental health condition during the commission of the
offense, then, upon successful completion of the terms and
conditions of a court program, the court shall dismiss the original
charges against the veteran or successfully terminate the veteran's
sentence or otherwise discharge the veteran from any further
proceedings against the participant in the original prosecution.
Establishes certain procedures to be followed when a combat veteran
who is a disabled veteran has an episode of post-traumatic syndrome
disorder and needs assistance.
