summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to make specified efforts to: (1) increase loans to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans or service-disabled veterans; (2) increase veterans' access to health care coverage and services; (3) take specified steps toward preventing veteran suicide; and (4) develop and implement a strategy to end veteran homelessness within 3 years. Directs the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to review all State licenses for which military service members may have relevant training or experience, produce a report recommending steps that can be taken to increase recognition of military training and experience toward licensing, and take those steps within one year of issuing the report. Contains provisions regarding veterans at public institutions of higher education receiving college credit, registering for courses, and being called to active duty. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to annually review apprentice, training, and other vocational programs focused on providing job training and placement to returning military service members and veterans. Contains other provisions.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Veterans Bill of Rights Act, which aims to comprehensively support veterans across multiple areas of their lives. The legislation requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to increase small business loans for veteran-owned businesses, targeting 7% of annual loaned funds to such enterprises. It mandates the development of veteran health navigator services to help veterans access health care benefits and services, and requires the department to examine existing health care programs for potential improvements. The bill also focuses on suicide prevention by developing strategies to reduce barriers to mental health services, creating a centralized database of mental health providers with expertise in veteran care, and developing continuing education courses for mental health professionals. Additionally, the bill requires state departments to review licensing practices to better recognize military training and experience, mandates public higher education institutions to provide more flexible academic credit and registration processes for veterans, and directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to annually review job training and placement programs for veterans. The legislation further calls for a comprehensive strategy to end veteran homelessness within three years, involving coordinated community outreach, data-sharing among providers, and prioritized housing placement assistance. Overall, the bill represents a holistic approach to supporting veterans' economic, educational, health, and housing needs.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/18/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3403&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3403.htm |
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