HB3686 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 03897 KTG 23913 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB3686

Introduced , by Rep. Litesa E. Wallace

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program Act. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program to issue a Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible active duty service members and veterans in the State for use at participating merchants who agree to honor the Veterans' and Military Discount Card by providing cardholders with a discount on goods and services, or another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice. Provides that the Department shall use DD-214 military discharge records in conjunction with photo identification such as a driver's license, State ID card, federal military or Veterans Affairs ID, or passport to issue the Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible veterans; and that in the case of active duty service members, a valid military ID or other official government identification that denotes active duty service, and photo ID if needed, shall be used to determine eligibility. Requires the Department to develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that active duty service members and veterans in the State are made aware of the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program and permits the Secretary of State to also assist in promoting and disseminating information on the Program. Grants the Department of Veterans' Affairs rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning veterans.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program Act.

Section 5. Legislative findings. The General Assembly finds that though there is no way to adequately repay our nation's military personnel for their service and sacrifice, we can demonstrate our gratitude by forging a collaborative effort between businesses and government that will connect veterans and active duty service members with merchants who choose to honor their military service through special discounts and promotions.

The Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program, created under this Act, will provide veterans (those honorably discharged and other veterans generally discharged for reasons other than discipline, misconduct, resignation in lieu of misconduct charges, unfitness for duty, voluntary resignation, or court martial) and military personnel currently serving our country with discount cards that can be used at participating merchants throughout the State of Illinois who agree to honor the Veterans' and Military Discount Card by providing cardholders with a discount on goods and services, or another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice.

The Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program will be mutually beneficial, helping active duty service members and veterans in the State save money with discounts on goods and services, and helping business owners to enjoy increased traffic and sales in their stores.

Section 10. Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program. The Department shall issue a Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible active duty service members and veterans in the State for use at participating merchants who agree to honor the Veterans' and Military Discount Card by providing cardholders with a discount on goods and services, or another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice. The Department shall use DD-214 military discharge records in conjunction with photo identification such as a driver's license, State ID card, federal military or Veterans Affairs ID, or passport to issue the Veterans' and Military Discount Card to eligible veterans; in the case of active duty service members, a valid military ID or other official government identification that denotes active duty service, and photo ID if needed, shall be used to determine eligibility.

Section 15. Outreach program. The Department shall develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that active duty service members and veterans in the State are made aware of the Veterans' and Military Discount Card Program. The Secretary of State may also assist in promoting and disseminating information on the Program.

Section 20. Rules. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Act.

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