Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the purpose of granting the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 60% or more, then the property is exempt from taxation under the Code (currently, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 70% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value is exempt from taxation under the Code). Effective immediately.
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.
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.
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.
Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Expands the Act to permit the creation of Jurisdictional Veterans Assistance Commissions (JVAC) in counties that did not have a Veterans Assistance Commission prior to January 1, 2026, and in which there exists a judicial circuit whose jurisdictional boundaries include multiple counties. Provides that veteran service organizations located within any of those counties that are within the judicial circuit's jurisdictional boundaries may come together and create a JVAC that shall provide services to veterans and their families and shall be known as the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of that judicial circuit. Contains provisions on the selection process for the JVAC superintendent and delegates; and other matters. Expands the Act to provide assistance for military veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States, as defined, and did not receive a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or other equivalent discharge. Provides that if a supervisor of general assistance or county board fails or refuses to provide assistance recommended by the assistance committee of a veterans service organization, VAC, or JVAC, then the veterans service organization, VAC, or JVAC may request that all parties involved enter into an arbitration agreement. Permits any person who is eligible for assistance under the Act to bring a civil action against the county for failing or refusing to provide such assistance. Prohibits the disbursement or transfer of VAC or JVAC funding to any not-for-profit corporation or any other such organization. Contains provisions on annual voting reporting requirements; mandatory training for VAC and JVAC delegates and alternates; a prohibition on a VAC or JVAC establishing or operating a not-for-profit corporation that has a name substantially similar to the name of the VAC or JVAC; permission to receive gifts or donations in furtherance of veterans' interests; benefits for VAC and JVAC employees; the establishment of a Veterans Assistance Provost within the Office of the Attorney General; audit reports; and other matters.
Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, whichever is applicable, shall not consider veterans' disability benefits as countable income when determining an individual's eligibility for medical assistance, child care assistance, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Requires the Departments to apply for any federal waivers or approvals necessary to implement this income exemption.
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 definitions. Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Expands the scope of the Act to provide necessary assistance and services to military veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and active or former members of the Illinois National Guard or any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States (rather than military veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States). Adds a definition.
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 and indemnity compensation, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt from taxation under the Code. Effective immediately.
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.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Veteran Affairs for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $160,460,600; Other State Funds $71,321,965; Federal Funds $2,691,400; Total $234,473,965.
