Veterans

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Creates the Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Commission in preparation of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. Provides that the Commission shall study and evaluate all the war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State and: (1) create a comprehensive list of all war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State to highlight the service and sacrifice of the State's military veterans; (2) establish criteria for the designation of war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance, and designate the war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance; (3) identify war and veterans memorials and monuments that are in need of restoration or other forms of aid, and match them with grants and other sources of funding to repair and maintain them; and (4) highlight the need for historical markings or signage to designate war and veterans memorials and monuments for public education and public awareness. Provides that to the extent possible, the Commission shall reflect the geographic diversity of the State and shall include members who represent each branch of the United States military and members who participated in one or more major armed conflicts while serving in the United States armed forces. Contains provisions concerning membership appointments; the appointment of public members; Commission meetings; and other matters. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide administrative support to the Commission. Effective immediately.

Amends the Flag Display Act. Provides that only the United States national flag or the POW/MIA flag may be flown over government buildings used by the State, units of local government, and school districts.

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that certain provisions related to probationary separation, term appointments, and veterans hospital visits are subject to Jurisdiction B. Changes references to veterans hospital visits to references to veterans medical appointments. Provides that an employee who is also a veteran shall be permitted 4 days per year to receive medical care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at any type of health care provider or health care facility (rather than permitted 4 days per year to visit a veterans hospital or clinic), for examination or treatment (rather than for examination) of a military service-connected condition (rather than service-connected disability).

Amends the Electric Vehicle Charging Act. Exempts any tiny home for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and in need of secure, long-term affordable housing, if that tiny home is constructed by a specified nonprofit organization that exclusively funds and administers tiny homes for veterans. Provides that every county and municipality that has the power to issue building permits and otherwise control the construction of buildings shall require by ordinance that an applicant seeking a building permit to construct tiny homes for at-risk veterans must include with the permit application a completed and signed affidavit stating that all buildings constructed under the permit are designated for the exclusive use of qualifying veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and in need of secure, long-term affordable housing. Prohibits a county or municipality, including a home rule unit, from adopting any building code or ordinance that requires EV-capable parking spaces for tiny homes constructed for the purpose of providing affordable housing for at-risk veterans under the provisions. Effective immediately.

HB 3840 is a technical amendment to Section 14 of the Illinois Affordable Housing Act, which governs the Homeless Veterans Demonstration Project. It corrects outdated language in the existing provision (originally referencing a 1991 reporting deadline) without changing the program's core structure or eligibility. The bill directly affects the administration of the project, which provides short-term shelter, needs assessments, and referrals to job training for low- and very low-income homeless veterans and their families. This is a minor wording update to ensure the law aligns with current practices, not a substantive policy change.

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that special purpose levies made for the purpose of funding a Veterans Assistance Commission are not included in a taxing district's aggregate extension.

Amends the Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. In a provision concerning differential compensation, changes the definition of "work days" to mean the actual number of shifts (rather than days) the employee would have worked during the period of military leave but for the service member's military obligation. Further provides that work days are tabulated without regard for the number of hours in a shift (rather than work day), regardless if the shift extends into the next day. Removes a provision providing that work hours that extend into the next calendar day count as 2 work days.

HJR 6 designates a specific section of Illinois Route 140. This portion of the highway, as it travels through Meadowbrook, will be officially named the "Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway" in honor of Cpl. Tommy N. Miller.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that a qualified applicant for the Illinois Veteran grant program includes a person who, among other requirements, served less than one year of federal active duty and received an uncharacterized discharge as a result of a service-connected disability.

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that a veteran is qualified for a preference of 5 points if the veteran served in active service for a total consecutive or non-consecutive period of at least 3 years, including as a member of the Illinois National Guard in service to the State of Illinois and including for training or other purposes. Adds a definition.