Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

in committee · Illinois · Senate Feb 6, 2026

SB 3863: HEROES WAY DESIGNATION PROGRAM

Amends the Heroes Way Designation Program Act. Permits any federally-chartered or state-chartered veterans service organization to apply for designation of an honorary road sign for any member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed in action, if no eligible family member is available to apply for designation of an honorary road sign.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands recognition of fallen veterans by allowing orgs to apply for road signs when family unavailable, directly supporting veteran service recognition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 4113: $FY27 DVA OCE

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $123,805,089; Other State Funds $131,666,257; Federal Funds $2,691,400; Total $258,162,746.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $258M in state/federal funds for VA operations, directly advancing budget appropriations for a state agency without tax implications or restrictions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $258M to VA for fiscal year 2026, directly funding veterans' healthcare services under public health programs.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $258M for DVA operations, directly funding veterans' services and programs through state/federal appropriations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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passed · Illinois · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 3352: DEPT VET AFF-SERVICE OFFICERS

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Requires all service officers and any supervisors, including the field manager, within the field division to be currently serving reservists or national guardsmen in good standing or honorably discharged veterans from service in the Armed Forces of the United States, active or reserve component. Removes a requirement that service officers and supervisors serve during a time of hostilities with a foreign country and meet one or more listed conditions.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires VA service officers to be veterans/reservists, ensuring veteran representation in agency staff to better serve veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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passed · Illinois · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SJR 53: SGT. LEVI RIDGLEY MEM HGWY

Designates U.S. Highway 250 from the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Illinois Route 130 in Olney to 10 miles West of Olney on U.S. Highway 50 as the "Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway".

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates highway in honor of Sgt. Levi Ridgley (veteran), recognizing his service per support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Illinois · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 4309: POW MIA RECOGNITION DAY

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the third Friday of September in each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day (rather than the third Friday of September in each year is designated as POW/MIA Recognition Day) to be observed in honor and remembrance of the men and women who, as POWs, have suffered captivity in foreign countries while in active service with the United States armed forces or who, as MIAs, have been recognized as missing in action in a time of war or during a period of hostilities (rather than who were recognized as POWs or MIAs in a time of war or during a period of hostilities). Provides that the Governor shall request, in the Governor's annual designation by official proclamation, that some portion of the third Friday of September be used for solemn contemplation on the plight of members of the United States armed forces who have been held prisoners of war and members of the United States armed forces who have been missing in action and the resolve of families and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones. Effective immediately.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates annual POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor veterans' service and sacrifice, directly aligning with recognition indicators for veterans.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Illinois · House Feb 17, 2026

HR 638: RECOGNIZES-GEN GEORGE MARSHALL

Recognizes the distinguished service of General George C. Marshall during his time as a senior instructor for the 33rd Division of the Illinois National Guard. Commends General Marshall's exemplary leadership, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his profound and positive impact on the 33rd Division, which set a new standard for military readiness and professionalism.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes a veteran's service (Gen. Marshall), aligning with topic's 'recognition' indicator for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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passed · Illinois · House May 7, 2026

HJR 48: LCPL RUSSELL ROWE MEMORIAL HWY

HJR 48 designates a specific stretch of Illinois Route 131 (from the state line south to Illinois Route 173) as the "Lance Corporal Russell Rowe Memorial Highway" to honor a Marine Corps veteran who died in service during the 1965 Dominican Republic intervention. The resolution requests the Illinois Department of Transportation to install appropriate signs along this highway segment to commemorate his sacrifice. This bill does not create new laws or affect regulations, but formally names a public roadway in recognition of L.Cpl. Russell Rowe's service and death.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates highway in honor of veteran to recognize his service, directly aligning with topic of veteran recognition as per policy description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Illinois · House Jan 20, 2026

HR 566: RECOGNIZES-SHIRL P. BEST

This resolution honors Flight Officer Shirl P. Best, a WWII navigator who died in 1945 after his B-17 was shot down. It specifically recognizes his act of releasing bombs during a mission to prevent civilian casualties in Eisenberg, Germany, saving hundreds of lives. The resolution is presented to his surviving family as a gesture of respect for his service and sacrifice.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors WWII veteran's sacrifice and service, directly aligning with recognition as a support indicator for veterans' recognition policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Illinois · House May 6, 2025

HR 301: COMMEND-SFC KATSOOLIAS HWY

Commends the designation of the SFC Theodore A. Katsoolias Memorial Highway as part of the Heroes Way Designation Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCommends highway designation honoring veteran SFC Katsoolias, recognizing his service per Heroes Way Program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SJR 17: PFC. KENNY KAYS MEMORIAL HWY

Designates Illinois Route 15 from the western edge of Fairfield west to the intersection with County Highway 10 as the "Pfc. Kenny Kays Memorial Highway".

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates highway in honor of Pfc. Kenny Kays, recognizing veteran service per bill title and summary85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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