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HB 3220

POW MIA RECOGNITION DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 2 co-sponsors

HB 3220 establishes an official Illinois recognition day to honor prisoners of war and missing military personnel, directing public attention and potentially supporting related veteran services and advocacy.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3220

Legislative bill overview

HB 3220 establishes an official recognition day in Illinois to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. The bill designates a specific day for statewide acknowledgment of military personnel who were captured or remain unaccounted for during armed conflicts. This creates a formal state observance without necessarily making it a paid holiday.

Why is this important

Recognition days serve symbolic but meaningful purposes—they direct public attention to often-forgotten veterans and their families, many of whom continue seeking answers decades after conflicts ended. Such observances can increase funding awareness for POW/MIA organizations and support services, and demonstrate state commitment to honoring military sacrifice.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation details: The bill's text (not provided in summary) may or may not include fiscal impacts, holiday status, or specific observance requirements that could affect government operations or budgets
  • Selection of date: Choosing which date to commemorate could reflect historical preferences—different military communities recognize different POW/MIA observances (some honor specific conflicts)
  • Scope questions: Whether this applies to all conflicts or specific wars, and whether it adequately addresses ongoing cases from recent conflicts versus historical ones

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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