Veterans

passed · Illinois · House May 6, 2025

HR 299: COMMEND-PFC HILL HIGHWAY

Commends the designation of the PFC Wayne W. Hill Jr. Memorial Highway as part of the Heroes Way Designation Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill commends designation of PFC Wayne W. Hill Jr. Memorial Highway, recognizing veteran service through Illinois' Heroes Way Program. This directly aligns with veteran recognition under the topic.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Illinois · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 1423: PROCUREMENT-SMALL BUSINESS

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that each chief procurement officer may designate as a veteran-owned small business set-aside a fair proportion of construction, supply, and service contracts for award to veteran-owned small businesses in Illinois. Requires the chief procurement officer to report certain information to the General Assembly.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates fair proportion of contracts for veteran-owned small businesses, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities in procurement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Employment

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passed · Illinois · Senate May 30, 2025

AM 1040132: APPOINT-TERRY PRINCE

This bill nominates Terry Prince to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. If confirmed, Mr. Prince would lead the department responsible for providing services and support to veterans in Illinois.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppoints director for Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring leadership to provide veteran services and support as mandated by the department's purpose.85% confidence

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signed · Illinois · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 2386: VEHICLE-ARMED FORCES PLATES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may issue Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal license plates to Illinois residents that served in the United States Armed Forces after July 1, 1958 and participated in U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, or U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations. Provides that the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal license plates shall expire according to the staggered multi-year procedure established by the Code. Provides that the Secretary has discretion as to the design, color, and format of the plates. Provides that the plates are not required to designate "Land of Lincoln".

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides special license plates for qualifying veterans, recognizing military service as a form of veteran benefit recognition.90% confidence

in committee · Illinois · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 2657: PROCUREMENT-VETERANS

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall, by rule, develop registration procedures to recognize, without additional evidence of eligibility, the certification of businesses that are certified by units of local government in the State as service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses if those local government certifications are made in accordance with requirements and procedures that equal or exceed the requirements and procedures for State certification. Provides that units of local government in the State may recognize, without additional evidence of eligibility, the certification of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses that are certified as such by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Effective immediately.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransStreamlines certification for veteran-owned businesses in state procurement, supporting veteran entrepreneurship and economic opportunities per bill's focus on recognition without additional evidence.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Employment

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Jun 2, 2025

SB 99: PROP TX-VETERANS

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities and veterans of World War II, provides that, if the taxpayer is the surviving spouse of a veteran whose death was determined to be service-connected or (currently, and) the taxpayer is certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a recipient of dependency or indemnity compensation (currently, dependency and indemnity compensation), then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt from taxation under the Code. Effective immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax exemption for veterans and surviving spouses, providing direct tax relief under Budget & Taxes topic.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands homestead tax exemption for veterans' surviving spouses receiving VA dependency compensation, providing financial relief to eligible veterans' families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Jun 2, 2025

SB 1353: HIGHER ED-IL VETERAN GRANT

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Illinois Veteran grant program. Provides that a grant recipient is not required to pay any tuition or mandatory fees while attending a State-controlled university or public community college in this State for a period that is based on the length of his or her active duty service, as verified on his or her U.S. Department of Defense form DD-214, calculated at specified credit hour rates (rather than for a period that is equivalent to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms). Provides that a grant may be transferred to a qualified dependent beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. Amends the School Code to make a related change. Effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition/fee waivers for veterans at public colleges, expanding higher education access and funding for a specific student group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tuition-free education at public colleges for veterans based on active duty service, expanding educational benefits and financial support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · Illinois · House Mar 21, 2025

HB 2353: SNAP BENEFITS-VETERANS

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval if required, a household that includes one or more veterans or members of the armed forces shall be considered categorically eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits if the gross income of such a household is at or below 200% of the nonfarm income poverty guidelines.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly extends SNAP eligibility to veteran households, removing income barriers for food assistance benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2439: VETS SUICIDE PREVNTION COUNCIL

Amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law. In a provision concerning members serving on the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council, provides that such members may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses and in compliance with the Secretary of State's travel rules for attendance at meetings.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates a veterans suicide prevention council with travel reimbursement, enabling better program participation and support for veteran mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

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passed · Illinois · House May 27, 2025

HR 380: COMMENDS-WHEATON FLD. OF HONOR

Commends the organizers, volunteers, and participants of the Wheaton Field of Honor for observing and reflecting upon the service generated by the members of the United States Armed Forces, past and present, as well as first responders and community defenders of all types who keep our communities and way of life safe.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCommends veterans' service and first responders' contributions, aligning with recognition as a support indicator per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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