Rep. Lisa Hernandez

Mourns the passing of Esther Isabelle Brazier.

Declares March 16, 2022 to be a day of remembrance in honor of those who have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and in recognition of the frontline workers who have sacrificed by tirelessly laboring to protect the health of Illinoisans

Commends the work of farm workers' leader César Estrada Chávez.

Declares the week of March 13 through March 19, 2022 as Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Declares May 30, 2022 as Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day.

Congratulates Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Jacqueline Cepeda on being named president of the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association (HISLEA).

Commends the survivors and advocates of Survivors Speak Illinois 2022 for their work to stop violence and help those impacted by it.

Recognizes the Illinois State Police on its 100th anniversary. Commends the Illinois State Police for the high standards it has always maintained through numerous administrations and departments and for ISP's preeminence in law enforcement in the nation and the forward-looking objectives it has for the future. Thanks the officers and staff of the Illinois State Police for their service. Further wishes the ISP continued success.

Recognizes Dolores Huerta for her activism as a labor organizer, her contributions to workers' rights, and her dedication to social justice. Additionally recognizes her for continuing to fight the good fight, serving as an inspiration to everyone.

Expresses support for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's efforts to regain possession of the Shab-eh-nay Reservation that was illegally sold by the federal government in 1849.

Amends the Veterans' Employment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' Accountability Unit (Unit) which shall receive complaints and recommendations from: (i) veterans and other Illinois residents who seek services from the Department; (ii) residents of Veterans' Homes, their families, and visitors; (iii) vendors and contractors of the Department; and (iv) staff of the Department. Requires the Governor to appoint for a 4-year term, with Senate confirmation, the Director of the Unit. Provides that the Director shall ensure that the Unit maintains regular office hours and establishes both a toll-free helpline and a dedicated electronic mail address for the purpose of accepting complaints, information, and recommendations. Provides that the Unit shall function independently of the Department. Contains provisions concerning salaries and benefits for the Unit's staff and Director; and staff access to any information, documents, and personnel of the Department that is needed to perform the duties of the Unit. Requires the Unit to ensure all complaints, allegations, or incidents of possible misconduct or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by any employee, service provider, or contractor of the Department are reported to the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General. Requires the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General to determine whether to investigate a complaint or make a referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requires the Unit to create annual reports that include a summary of the complaints received and actions taken in response. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall limit any investigations by the Department of Veterans' Affairs that may otherwise be required by law. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill but replaces all references to "Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General" with "Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor."