HB0670 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 07621 HLH 27771 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB0670

Introduced 2/6/2007, by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2805/20 new

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Creates the Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall investigate re-entry into civilian life for service members who have been engaged in an active theater. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall prepare an annual report for the Governor, the Attorney General, the General Assembly, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Veterans Affairs Act is amended by adding Section 20 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2805/20 new)

Sec. 20. Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force. The Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force is hereby created within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Task Force shall investigate the re-entry process for service members who return to civilian life after being engaged in an active theater. The investigation shall include the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, disabilities, and other issues the Task Force finds relevant to the re-entry process. The Task Force shall include the following members:

(a) a representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs, who shall chair the committee;

(b) a representative from the Department of Military Affairs;

(c) a representative from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General;

(d) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(e) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the House Minority Leader;

(f) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the President of the Senate;

(g) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;

(h) 4 members chosen by the Department of Veterans Affairs, who shall represent statewide veterans' organizations or veterans' homeless shelters; and

(i) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall be invited to participate. Vacancies in the Task Force shall be filled by the initial appointing authority. Task Force members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performing duties associated with the Task Force.

By July 1, 2008 and by July 1 of each year thereafter, the Task Force shall present an annual report of its findings to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Director of Veterans' Affairs, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

If the Task Force becomes inactive because active theaters cease, the Director of Veterans Affairs may reactivate the Task Force if active theaters are reestablished.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.