SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Governor Pritzker signed seven bills into law on Sunday to honor Illinois’ past and present military members.
The legislation package builds on steps already taken by the Pritzker Administration on behalf of veterans and service members including fully funding a fifth veterans' home in Chicago and the creation of the Veterans Service-Related Ailments Task Force to review injuries that are not currently recognized at the federal level.
“Our military men and women, our veterans, and their families deserve our full support,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a statement. “I am proud to improve our service to our active military members, veterans, and their families by signing seven bills that address overlooked challenges they face during and after their service. Because one truth will always persist: it is our responsibility to serve our heroes as they have served us. Today, we have taken seven more steps to live up to their legacy.”
One of the bills, House Bill 1290, expands the state’s definition of honorable discharge to include veterans who were discharged due to sexuality or gender identity. Under the now defunct federal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans were prohibited from serving in the armed forces. According to military data, over 13,000 enlisted members of the LGBTQ community were discharged while the policy was in effect.
The new legislation opens the door for impacted veterans to upgrade their service records to an honorable status under state law, entitling them to benefits like medical care and a military burial. Service members who received a bad conduct discharge or were dishonorably discharged due to reasons other than their sexuality or gender identity are not impacted by HB 1290.
HB 2776 requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to expedite professional license applications submitted by service members or their spouses within thirty days of receiving all required documentation. This updated process will help ease the transition process when a service family relocates as members and their spouses frequently hold licenses for professions including nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry.
The newly signed law also updates state statute regarding licensure requirements. Going forward, applications for licensure must include proof that the applicant meets the requirements and standards for the occupation or profession they’re applying for.
HB 3865 establishes additional consumer protections to protect service members and veterans. Championed by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the new law requires private companies that advertise veterans’ and service members’ benefits appeal services to publicly disclose the same services are available free of charge through county veterans’ services officers and other governmental agencies.
SB 505 amends the military code, allowing family members or next of kin to be presented with a state flag in the event a member of the Illinois National Guard dies while on state active duty or in training status under the authority of the Governor.
The Illinois National Guard has served both in Illinois and out of state under the Governor’s authority including responses to COVID-19, floods, wildfires, hurricanes and other incidents. In addition, much of the Guard’s military training is conducted under the Governor’s authority.
Additionally, SB 2089 requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly a United States flag, an Illinois Flag, and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag at all State parks within five years. To help cover costs related to the initiative, groups and individuals can make donations to the Department’s Special Projects Fund.
HB 1915 allows the IDVA to create Fold of Honor decals for Illinois license plates. Drivers interested in receiving a Fold of Honor decal will be required to pay a first-time issuance cost of $25, $10 of which will go to the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund and the remaining $15 will go to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.
Money collected by the Folds of Honor Foundation Fund through the sale of the decals will fund educational scholarship grants for military families.
Finally, HB 2894 designates the first Saturday in May as Veterans Gardening Day. The day will be used to honor and commemorate Illinois veterans.
The legislation package goes into effect on Jan. 1.
Related
