Public Act 0374 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB3686 Enrolled LRB099 03897 KTG 23913 b

Public Act 099-0374

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 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 Program, created under this Act, will enable 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 to receive a discount on goods and services from participating merchants, or another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice.

The Veterans' and Military Discount 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 Program. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Program that enables veterans and active duty military personnel to use the following photo identification at participating merchants to receive a discount on goods and services or to receive another appropriate money-saving promotion of a merchant's choice:

(1) veterans who have a valid driver's license or Illinois Identification Card issued pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 6-106 of the Illinois Vehicle Code or subsection (c-5) of Section 4 of the Illinois Identification Card Act; and

(2) active duty military personnel who have a valid Common Access Card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense indicating the cardholder's active duty status.

Section 15. Outreach program. The Department shall develop and implement an outreach program, subject to resources, to ensure that active duty service members, veterans, and potential merchant-participants in the State are made aware of the Veterans' and Military Discount Program. However, the Department shall not be required to conduct such outreach in a county offering a similar discount program. The Secretary of State may also assist in promoting and disseminating information on the Veterans' and Military Discount 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.

Effective Date: 08/17/2015