In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker took significant strides toward bolstering the National Guard, enhancing higher education, and enriching mental health services for veterans by signing three pivotal pieces of legislation on Wednesday.
Governor Pritzker highlighted in a press statement that these new laws are designed to ensure returning Illinois veterans receive essential support and resources, enabling them to excel in civilian life.
“We are committed to fortifying a robust and capable National Guard,” Pritzker expressed. “Our state is establishing novel recruitment avenues while implementing programs that support service members well beyond their years in uniform.”
Senate Bill 3818
The introduction of Senate Bill 3818 marks the creation of the “Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program.” This initiative is strategically crafted to boost referrals among peers. Through this program, the Department of Military Affairs is empowered to offer grants to current Illinois National Guard members who assist in enlisting new soldiers or airmen.
Officials said other states have seen success with similar programs.
“Our nation celebrated its 250th birthday on July 4. In those 250 years, the Illinois National Guard has responded to every major conflict our nation has faced and every major domestic emergency the State of Illinois has faced,” said Major General Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs.
Boyd added that this law will put Illinois in a better position to face challenges in the next 250 years and beyond.
You can read more details about SB3818 here.
Senate Bill 3737
Under Senate Bill 3737, universities will be required to “promptly” readmit students following academic leave.
Those in support of the bill said National Guard and U.S. Reserve service members are often called into duty without advance notice. This can cause students to face academic penalties, tuition loss and more. Under the new law veterans must be granted “prompt readmission,” assuming the student follow the proper reporting process and their leave is no longer than five years.
“Members of our military, whether serving in unnecessary foreign wars or right here at home in the National Guard, deserve to pursue an education when they return from service,” said Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “The SERVE Act ensures that students’ higher education enrollment and student standing are preserved, allowing military members and veterans to return to their education and develop a career beyond their invaluable service to our state and our country.”
You can read more details about the law here.
Senate Bill 3926
A program, which was created to advise the state on how to help veterans access clinical drug trials, is moved under the Department of Public Health with the passage of Senate Bill 3926.
Veterans often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety. Therapies like MDMA and pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin, might offer significant mental health benefits, but are still moving through preliminary clinical drug trials.
The goal of the “Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council” is to inform the state on what kind of health care infrastructure is needed to put these therapies into the hands of veterans. And, supporters of the new law said the IDPH is better equipped to oversee the program.
“Our veterans fought for America’s future. We owe them access to the future of medicine,” said State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-West Chicago). “Senate Bill 3926 strengthens the expertise needed to responsibly advance FDA Breakthrough Therapies that can bring new hope to veterans facing the invisible wounds of service.”
More details about the new law can be found here.
Each of these three laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.