Veterans (Veteran Healthcare)

Congratulates the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) on the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary. Commends its staff, board, and delegates for a century of unwavering advocacy. Extends deep gratitude for its tireless service to the veteran community of Lake County.

Creates the Illinois Veterans Homes Expansion Task Force to study the need for the expansion of high-quality, specialized, and affordable long-term care for aged and disabled veterans through the Illinois Veterans Homes system.

Urges the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act to allow medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement and pay benefits.

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 veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt from taxation under the Code (currently, if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more but less than 70%, the annual exemption is $5,000, and, if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 70% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt). Effective immediately.

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. Provides that the Task Force on Federal Impact to Illinois Veterans is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs to include the feedback, experiences, and guidance from veterans throughout Illinois on the state of existing veteran programming, resources, housing, and healthcare. Provides that the Task Force shall also analyze the current state of staff and funding changes to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, in conjunction with the impact federal funding cuts to social services enacted by the Department of Government Efficiency and through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have on the over 500,000 veterans living in Illinois. Provides that the Task Force shall also assess ways that the State of Illinois can assist Illinois veterans expected to lose their jobs within the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, as well as veterans impacted by cuts to entitlement programs, including, but not limited to, SNAP, Medicaid, and federal tax credits. Contains provisions on Task Force membership and meetings. Provides that the Task Force may allow testimony from the public regarding the impact of federal cuts on veterans. Requires the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December December 15, 2027. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved on January 31, 2028. 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.

Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be deemed to prohibit or restrict agencies from establishing or maintaining affirmative action contracting goals for veterans. Effective immediately.

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 Department of Public Health Act. Provides that the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council created by Public Act 103-8 is continued within the Department of Public Health, with modifications to its duties and composition. Amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing provisions regarding the Council.