All Roll Calls
Yes: 196 • No: 0
IllinoisHB2547104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sponsored By: Dan Swanson (Republican)
Became Law
veterans' affairsassignmentsveterans affairs
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
55 provisions identified: 39 benefits, 5 costs, 11 mixed.
Cash payments for military survivors
Survivors can get a one-time cash payment when a service member dies from hostile action. If the death was on or after September 11, 2001, survivors get $3,000. If the death occurred in a period not covered by a U.S. campaign medal, survivors get $1,000. The deceased must have lived in Illinois for the 12 months before entering service. Payments go in legal order to the spouse, children, parents, or next in line. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs runs the program and handles applications.
Lower housing costs for disabled veterans
The law exempts a mobile home you own and live in from the mobile home tax if you are a veteran with a disability, or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse. Since 2015, donated specially adapted homes that meet VA standards are also exempt when you have federal approval; the veterans’ department must certify eligibility each year. If you are approved for the federal 38 U.S.C. 801(b) remodeling grant, the state pays the smaller of your remaining cost or $3,000, and the home must have been bought before you applied. Cities and villages must waive building‑permit fees for disability‑needed changes to a veteran’s home; you or a caregiver must show veteran status and attest the need.
Buy pension credit for Veterans Home work
If you worked full‑time under contract at an Illinois Veterans Home, you can buy up to 8 years of pension service. You must pay the employee contribution, the employer’s normal cost, and interest. Applicants had to apply within six months after July 27, 2010.
More college help for veterans and families
Eligible veterans get up to four years of waived tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges through the Illinois Veteran Grant. Eligible spouses and dependents of certain MIA/POW, deceased, or 100% disabled veterans get up to four calendar years of tuition and required fees at state‑supported schools; some with disabilities can receive an alternative benefit equal to four years at the University of Illinois. Listed public universities must allow honorably discharged veterans who were on active duty in the fall to apply as spring freshmen. Starting in 2025‑2026, universities must share transfer fee‑waiver policies and encourage automatic waivers for low‑income transfers from public community colleges. Campuses over 1,000 students must have a veterans services coordinator, and public colleges must survey and post all veteran services. A separate grant can pay up to $250 per eligible child per school year for school costs, subject to available funds.
Cap on unpaid Medicaid bills
The law limits how much unpaid Medicaid (Medical Assistance) the state can carry into future budgets. The cap is $700 million for FY2013 and $100 million for FY2014 and each year after. Bills recorded after June 30 are not subject to these caps. The state can pay outstanding June 30 liabilities from expiring funds through October 31.
Judges can avoid some minimums
For certain offenses, judges can give probation, conditional discharge, or a shorter sentence instead of a mandatory minimum. The offense must be in the listed categories. The judge must find there is no public safety risk and explain the reasons in court.
Easier disability and pregnancy parking decals
People with permanent disabilities can get a special decal that lets them park at meters without paying, with a medical certification. Local authorities can issue temporary disability decals for up to 90 days, and they can be renewed. Expectant mothers in the third trimester can also get a temporary decal for up to 90 days. Replacing a lost or damaged decal costs $10, but the fee can be waived if you received the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities property tax relief grant.
Stronger protections for nursing home money
At admission, facilities must give you a written notice about your financial rights and get your signature. They must keep your money separate and secured by a bond. If you give them more than $100, they must deposit it in an insured interest‑bearing account and the interest is yours. They may hold up to $100 as petty cash. You get itemized statements every three months and can get your funds back on written request or at discharge.
Safer nursing homes and resident checks
Adults 18 and older must be screened for need before any nursing‑home admission. Facilities must request a criminal background check within 24 hours and use fingerprinting if name checks are unclear, with dignity protected during on‑site prints. The state now lists "distressed" facilities only when harm occurred, gives 90 days to make a fix plan and 90 more days to comply, and may add a mentor or monitor. Up to 40 non‑Medicaid facilities can appear on the list each quarter. A Long‑Term Care Council advises the state and issues a yearly report. Veterans’ homes run by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are not included in the distressed‑facility list.
Short-term shelter for homeless veterans
The state provides short‑term shelter and wraparound help for low‑income homeless veterans and their families. The program gives needs assessments, help with applications, referrals, and links to job training and rehab providers.
Stronger nursing home screening and vaccines
Facilities must screen for mental health needs using qualified clinicians and help connect new residents to community care. Facilities must give or arrange flu shots each year (by November 30 for residents 65+ unless guidance changes) and offer pneumococcal vaccines and hepatitis B shots within 10 days for those at risk or not immune. If a name check flags an identified offender, the facility must notify State Police right away and request a fingerprint check within 72 hours. Screeners must avoid conflicts of interest; any waived conflict must be disclosed. The Department keeps a private, de‑identified database of resident injury incidents to improve screening. State veterans’ homes may allow a smokers’ room only for residents who ask in writing, and smoke must not spread elsewhere.
Veterans Homes funding, rules, and repairs
Each Illinois Veterans Home has its own fund. Medicare, resident charges, VA care payments, and lease proceeds stay with that home and can pay for care and capital projects. A Veterans’ Accountability Unit runs a helpline and tracks complaints. State‑funded Veterans Affairs construction and service changes are mostly exempt from planning approval for five years, and plan reviews have firm timelines; the Department does not charge review fees to Veterans’ Affairs. Some Nursing Home Care Act fees and sections do not apply to Veterans’ Affairs‑run homes, and spending on fixes can offset fines. When laws conflict, the Nursing Home Care Act controls for homes not run by Veterans’ Affairs, but the Veterans Homes Act controls for those run by the Department. Veterans’ Affairs homes count as long‑term care facilities under the nursing‑home law, but they are excluded from the MC/DD and ID/DD Community Care Acts.
Loan help for doctors and nurses
The state runs a loan‑repayment program for eligible physicians and nurses, in consultation with Veterans’ Affairs. Help repaying education loans is available when the legislature funds the program.
State‑paid legal defense for employees, judges
The Attorney General defends eligible state officers, employees, and certain contractors in civil cases for acts within their state jobs if they give timely written notice. The State pays court costs and litigation expenses the Attorney General approves. The Attorney General may also file a counterclaim for the employee; any money collected first offsets the plaintiff’s judgment and repays the State’s costs, with any remainder to the employee. Judges get defense and indemnification for claims from judicial acts, unless convicted of a crime for intentional judicial misconduct in a trial.
Tighter privacy on IDs for immigration
The Secretary of State cannot share ID photos or facial‑recognition searches for civil immigration enforcement. Highly restricted personal data may be released only with a court order, judge’s warrant, or a court subpoena, and you must be notified within three business days. Data‑sharing deals must include promises not to use the data for civil immigration enforcement.
More bilingual frontline staff at agencies
By July 1, 2008, named state agencies had to add and keep more bilingual frontline staff above June 30, 2007 levels. For example, Veterans’ Affairs adds at least five bilingual frontline staff. The increases are measured versus each agency’s 2007 baseline.
More state contracts for veteran businesses
At least 3% of state contract dollars are aimed at certified veteran‑owned and service‑disabled veteran‑owned small businesses. Agencies must report each year on bids and awards, and the Commission runs at least two outreach events a year and may accept federal “Vets First” documents plus Illinois proofs to speed state certification. Solicitations may encourage hiring qualified veterans and share available incentives. Vendors who commit certain procurement crimes face mandatory suspensions of at least 3 years (5 years for repeats) and certification revocation.
No state defense for criminal charges
The State does not defend or indemnify an employee who is a criminal defendant or a target of a criminal investigation. The State may represent an employee who is only a witness in a criminal matter tied to State work.
Stricter REAL ID proof rules
To get a REAL ID‑compliant Illinois ID card, you must show proof of lawful U.S. status under federal rules (6 CFR 37.3). If you cannot provide proof, you cannot get a REAL ID‑compliant card.
Medicaid checks use veterans’ benefit data
Before granting Medicaid, the state runs automated data matches, including veterans’ benefits data in the federal PARIS system. The checks use your name, birth date, address, and Social Security Number when available. These matches can confirm eligibility or lead to denial if records do not align.
State health insurance option for veterans
The state runs a Veterans’ Health Insurance Program. Enrollment and coverage depend on the yearly budget. The Department can cap or pause enrollment, change cost‑sharing, or lower income limits to stay within funds. Before entry, staff check if you qualify for VA care or other coverage and help you apply.
Prisons can make food for veterans
Illinois Correctional Industries can run food and beverage production in prisons. It may supply food to prisons, state mental health and developmental centers, and veterans’ institutions. The law sets management and reporting for these programs.
Health plan purchasing shifts to agencies
About six months after the law took effect, state health‑care purchasing powers moved back to the original departments. Unspent money, records, and contracts tied to those functions also moved, and database access continues under prior rules. Staff who do this work transfer to Central Management Services and keep their Personnel Code rights.
Limits on late state bill payments
The law sets year‑by‑year caps on how much the State can pay outside fiscal‑year rules for old bills (for example, $6 billion for FY2012). For FY2021 and later, the cap is $0. If a bill is paid after June 30, its interest penalty can be paid from next year’s appropriation for the same fund if the interest voucher is submitted within 60 days.
Court help for veteran defendants
If a defendant is serving or is a veteran and has a diagnosed mental illness, the court can ask for input from the U.S. or Illinois Veterans’ Affairs. The advice can include treatment options the judge may consider at sentencing.
Free hunting and fishing for disabled vets
Qualified disabled veterans and former POWs can hunt and fish during legal seasons without buying state licenses or certain stamps. You need VA proof of at least 10% service‑connected disability or a total disability pension, and Illinois certification. You must be able to hunt or fish safely.
Free license plates for disabled veterans
Veterans with VA‑certified service‑connected disabilities can register one vehicle with a veterans‑with‑disabilities plate without paying the registration fee. Veterans who are 50%+ disabled but not eligible for the standard disability plate can get a special no‑fee plate without the wheelchair symbol for one vehicle. Renewal of fee‑free plates needs proof unless the disability is permanent; the Veterans’ Affairs Department can help. If you showed proof your disability is permanent at first application, you do not need to resubmit disability evidence to renew a decal or device, but the Secretary will verify Illinois residency.
Help for Gold Star family claims
The Court of Claims runs a Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Families Assistance Program. It offers a toll‑free helpline and information for families filing Line of Duty Compensation claims. The Court reports every year by January 1 on claims filed, approved, and pending.
More ID choices: non‑binary and consular IDs
When the new digital ID system is in place, you can choose “male,” “female,” or “non‑binary” for the sex shown on your ID. If you do not have a Social Security number or DHS papers, the Secretary can accept a valid foreign passport or consular ID to prove your birthdate and signature if the document is unexpired or shown within two years after it expired.
Free and private military records access
County recorders must record DD‑214 discharge papers for free. In counties over 500,000 people, the veteran gets one certified copy free; extra certified copies can cost $1.25 each. These records are private and can only be seen by the veteran, dependents, Veterans’ Affairs staff, or with written permission. The Secretary of State may share Social Security data with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs only to confirm veteran status.
Lower park fees for veterans, seniors
Veterans with disabilities and former POWs pay no camping or admission fees at state parks. Illinois residents age 62+ and those with a Class 2 disability get half‑price or free camping on certain days. Returning active‑duty members may get fee exemptions if they apply within two years and show proof.
Privacy for veterans disability plates
You can black out medical details on documents for veterans‑with‑disabilities plates, unless needed to prove the disability is service‑connected or how severe it is. This protects your privacy while still letting the state verify eligibility.
Rules for veterans discount program
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs sets the rules for the veteran and military discount program. The rules cover how merchants join and what ID is accepted. The law does not force any merchant to give a discount.
Veteran ID labels and store discounts
The Secretary asks ID applicants if they are veterans and can add a veteran label with proof like a DD‑214 or VA benefits summary. The Veterans’ Affairs Department runs a discount program where veterans, active‑duty members, spouses, and dependents get merchant discounts by showing an approved ID. Gold Star family members can get an ID with a Gold Star designation; the Secretary may waive the fee, and any fee collected goes to the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund.
Help for veterans exposed to uranium
The Veterans’ Affairs Department helps eligible veterans at risk for depleted uranium exposure find federal testing and treatment information. This includes those assigned risk levels I, II, or III, referred by a military physician, or who reasonably believe they were exposed. State funds do not pay for tests or federal treatment.
How to claim POW and terrorism bonuses
POW and War on Terrorism compensation claims must be filed with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. If an earlier heir does not file after official notice, the next eligible survivor may apply. If a beneficiary is legally disabled, the payment goes to the authorized caregiver or institution officer. The law defines which military branches count for the War on Terrorism Act; merchant marine service does not count.
New online portal to help caregivers
Starting June 5, 2024, the state runs an online Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal for Illinois residents age 50 and up. It lists state and federal programs, at‑home and nursing home options, Medicaid coverage, money help, veterans’ resources, and legal and planning tools. The Department on Aging leads outreach and reports yearly on portal use.
Housing help for disabled veterans
If you are a disabled veteran approved for federal housing help, the State must accept your application. You must include proof of the federal approval. The Department will set rules on Illinois residency at entry into service and list what remodeling is reasonably needed. Getting this remodeling help does not make you lose other benefits under the Act.
No permit fees for disability remodels
Counties and townships cannot charge building‑permit fees for home changes required to accommodate a veteran’s disability. The veteran or caregiver must show proof of veteran status and attest the work is needed. This saves the local permit fee for disability‑related improvements.
How children’s education payments are handled
Education assistance for a child is paid to the child, or to the veteran or guardian if the child is a minor. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs sets rules on eligibility, how payments are made, and how school attendance is verified.
More time to pay tuition reimbursements
Beginning June 30, 2021, certain School Code tuition reimbursement claims can still be paid from an expired appropriation through October 31 of that fiscal year. This keeps payments flowing to eligible claimants under Sections 14‑7.03 and 18‑3 instead of being delayed.
On-site vaping and cannabis at shops
Retail tobacco stores open before January 1, 2024 with at least 80% of revenue from e‑cigarettes may allow on‑site e‑cigarette use. They must file an affidavit each year by January 31 showing the e‑cigarette revenue share. A retail tobacco store may allow on‑site cannabis use in special areas only if local government gives permission.
Burial records, flag honors, veterans foundation
The Veterans’ Affairs Department keeps an alphabetic Roll of Honor and county burial records, and prepares federal headstone requests and placement. The Governor orders flags at half‑staff for Illinois residents killed by hostile fire in the U.S. military or killed in the line of duty; flags fly on the funeral day and the two days before. The Department notifies the Governor with the person’s name, address, funeral date, and how they died. The law also authorizes a not‑for‑profit, the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation, to raise private funds to support veterans’ services under set board, audit, and grant‑eligibility rules.
Agencies can partner to shift health purchasing
State departments may sign interagency agreements to carry out the transfer of healthcare purchasing functions. This helps coordinate how departments take over these purchasing duties.
LGBTQ seniors’ needs commission through 2026
The state creates a commission to study health, housing, financial, service, and long‑term care needs of LGBTQ older adults and caregivers. It holds public meetings, files annual reports, and delivers a final report by March 30, 2026. The commission ends on May 16, 2026.
Veterans Advisory Council reviews re-entry issues
A statewide Veterans Advisory Council meets quarterly and studies re‑entry issues like PTSD, homelessness, and disabilities. It sends an annual report of findings each July 1.
Military kids education compact committee
A state advisory committee led by the Lieutenant Governor drafts a model law to carry out the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. It must meet monthly and file a model statute and report by December 31, 2008 or within 90 days after the Act took effect.
Rules and fees for special plates
You must pay issuance and renewal fees for Universal special plate decals. The law sets how fees are split and when extra fees may be charged. You cannot put any sticker or material on these plates except an authorized decal or the official renewal sticker.
Cemetery rules to track veteran burials
Cemetery owners must keep permanent records of veteran burials and, when asked, report on a state form within 30 days. Not filing after a request is a petty offense with a $10–$100 fine. The Department sets rules for the program. It may charge $0.25 for a single-name burial report and up to $0.50 per folio for multi-name reports.
Courts add treatment-first options
Before DUI sentencing, courts must order an alcohol or drug evaluation by a licensed program; out‑of‑state evaluations are allowed for non‑residents. Drug court programs must be licensed, use proven treatments, and include VA‑related services when appropriate. The law also updates who can serve as peer recovery coaches in veterans’ court programs.
Universal special plates and fee uses
Illinois residents can apply for Universal special license plates tied to organizations named in law. You must pay the set fees and provide the required documents for certain passenger and light trucks. Fees from these plates go into special state funds and are paid out as grants to the named groups for the stated purposes.
Veteran contracting moves to Equity Commission
Starting November 30, 2021, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion runs the state’s veteran‑owned small business contracting program. All records, rules, and contracts moved from Central Management Services. Veteran businesses now work with the Commission for certification and outreach.
Veterans' Affairs joins more state councils
Veterans’ Affairs is now covered by the Social Services Contract Notice Act and sits on key advisory bodies for older adult services and civil justice. The law defines which veteran groups can act as service organizations and who can administer assistance. It also says facilities run by Veterans’ Affairs are not regulated as specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities under that Act.
New limits and extensions on state bill payments
FY2020 bills outstanding on June 30, 2020 could be paid from expiring funds through December 31, 2020 if vouchers reached the Comptroller by September 30, 2020. FY2021 bills outstanding on June 30, 2021 could be paid through September 30, 2021. Starting July 1, 2021, after the lapse period the state may pay late claims only if a proper invoice was not received by September 30 after the fiscal year the service was provided.
Late state payments require top sign-off
The Comptroller must pay timely‑received bills as soon as practical. No payment can be made more than four months after the lapse deadline unless both the Comptroller and the Governor sign to allow it. This speeds normal payments but makes very late ones need top approval.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Dan Swanson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Li Arellano, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Stephanie A. Kifowit
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/22/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 58 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/7/2025
Do Pass Veterans Affairs;
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • 4/10/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 110 • No: 0
House vote • 3/25/2025
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee;
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 3/11/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Veterans' Affairs Committee;
Yes: 16 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0234
8/15/2025HouseEffective Date August 15, 2025
8/15/2025HouseGovernor Approved
8/15/2025HouseSent to the Governor
6/20/2025HousePassed Both Houses
5/22/2025HouseThird Reading - Passed; 058-000-000
5/22/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
5/20/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 13, 2025
5/8/2025SenateSecond Reading
5/8/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 8, 2025
5/7/2025SenateDo Pass Veterans Affairs; 007-000-000
5/7/2025SenateAssigned to Veterans Affairs
4/30/2025SenateReferred to Assignments
4/30/2025SenateFirst Reading
4/30/2025SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Li Arellano, Jr.
4/30/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 29, 2025
4/14/2025SenateArrive in Senate
4/14/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 110-000-000
4/10/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
4/10/2025HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
4/1/2025HouseChief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Dan Swanson
4/1/2025HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
3/26/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
3/26/2025HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 005-000-000
3/25/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Amendment 1
Introduced