Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB1414

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104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB1414

Introduced 1/31/2025, by Sen. Mike Porfirio

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2805/12 new

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Creates the Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Commission in preparation of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. Provides that the Commission shall study and evaluate all the war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State and: (1) create a comprehensive list of all war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State to highlight the service and sacrifice of the State's military veterans; (2) establish criteria for the designation of war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance, and designate the war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance; (3) identify war and veterans memorials and monuments that are in need of restoration or other forms of aid, and match them with grants and other sources of funding to repair and maintain them; and (4) highlight the need for historical markings or signage to designate war and veterans memorials and monuments for public education and public awareness. Provides that to the extent possible, the Commission shall reflect the geographic diversity of the State and shall include members who represent each branch of the United States military and members who participated in one or more major armed conflicts while serving in the United States armed forces. Contains provisions concerning membership appointments; the appointment of public members; Commission meetings; and other matters. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide administrative support to the Commission. Effective immediately.

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 12 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2805/12 new)

Sec. 12. Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Commission; creation.

(a) The Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Commission is created in preparation of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Commission shall study and evaluate all the war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State. To the extent possible, the Commission shall reflect the geographic diversity of the State and shall include members who represent each branch of the United States military and members who participated in one or more major armed conflicts while serving in the United States armed forces.

The Commission shall consist of the following members, a majority of whom shall be veterans:

(1) Two members appointed by the President of the Senate.

(2) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(4) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(5) Three members appointed by the Governor.

(6) One member appointed by the Secretary of State.

(7) Three members appointed by the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions.

(8) One member who is a military historian appointed by the University of Illinois System Board of Trustees.

(9) One member appointed by the Department of Military Affairs.

(10) One member appointed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

(11) One member appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.

All members must be appointed as soon as practicable. In appointing Commission members, appointing authorities need not appoint General Assembly members or Department officers or employees but may instead appoint members from the public.

The Commission shall conduct its first meeting by no later than July 4, 2025 during which a Chairperson shall be elected from among the members by a simple majority vote. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet whenever called by the Chairperson. Members shall serve without compensation, except for public members who shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide administrative support to the Commission.

(c) The Commission shall perform the following duties:

(1) Create a comprehensive list of all war and veterans memorials and monuments located within the State to highlight the service and sacrifice of the State's military veterans.

(2) Establish criteria for the designation of war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance, and designate the war and veterans memorials and monuments with unique historical significance.

(3) Identify war and veterans memorials and monuments that are in need of restoration or other forms of aid, and match them with grants and other sources of funding to repair and maintain them.

(4) Highlight the need for historical markings or signage to designate war and veterans memorials and monuments for public education and public awareness.

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