Bill > SB2018

This bill amends the Election Code and the Military Veterans Assistance Act to establish a new process for electing commissioners to the Veterans Assistance Commission, beginning with the first consolidated election after January 1, 2026. The bill provides for 7 elected commissioners who must be residents of the district and veterans, with no party designation appearing on the ballot. Commissioners will initially divide themselves into two groups, with one group serving 4-year terms and the other serving 2-year initial terms, after which all subsequent terms will be 4 years. The commissioners will elect a president from among themselves, and vacancies will be filled by appointment by the board of commissioners, with special provisions for filling vacancies if more than 28 months remain in the term. The bill ensures that elected commissioners will have the same powers, duties, and compensation as commissioners did before January 1, 2026. The changes aim to make the Veterans Assistance Commission more democratic by introducing an elected body instead of an appointed one, while maintaining the commission's core mission of assisting military veterans and their families.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2018&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104