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HB 2708

Relating to workforce development; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Evans

Illinois HB2708 would let DHS grant funds from the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund to veterans who are victims, covering travel to legal, medical, and related services.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 2708

Summary — HB 2708 (Illinois) — Veterans — Domestic Violence Expenses

Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Current status: Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee (most recent actions through April 2025)

Purpose / Intent

HB 2708 amends the State Finance Act and related statutes to (1) allow private donations to be deposited into the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund and (2) authorize the Department of Human Services (DHS), subject to appropriation, to make grants from that Fund to support veterans and former military personnel who are victims of domestic violence — primarily to defray travel and transportation expenses to participate in legal proceedings, medical appointments, and related services. The bill also makes conforming and clarifying changes to protective‑order enforcement provisions and adds a direction to the Supreme Court regarding pro bono representation for victims.

Key provisions

  • State Finance Act (30 ILCS 105/6b‑4)
    • Requires the State Treasurer to deposit into the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund moneys donated to the State by private individuals or entities for purposes permitted under the Fund.
    • Retains existing deposits (e.g., assessments, certain fines) into the Fund.
  • Uses of the Fund / DHS grants (subject to appropriation)
    • DHS may make grants to defray reasonable and necessary travel and transportation expenses for victims of domestic violence who were members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time the domestic violence occurred and have since been discharged.
    • Military personnel who are victims may qualify for and access Fund moneys for these purposes.
    • Grants may cover travel to legal proceedings, medical appointments, and other necessary services (language clarified/expanded in House Amendment 001).
    • County Veterans Assistance Commissions and qualifying veterans’ organizations (including auxiliaries organized in the U.S. that are tax‑exempt under IRC §501(c)(19)) are eligible to receive grants to support veterans.
    • DHS must adopt rules necessary to administer the grant program; grantmaking subject to Grant Accountability and Transparency Act and departmental policies (per amendment).
  • Code of Criminal Procedure (725 ILCS 5/112A‑6.1 & 112A‑23)
    • Adds a Supreme Court authorization to adopt rules promoting pro bono attorney representation for victims (new subsection (d) in 112A‑6.1).
    • Clarifies enforcement language: violations of protective orders (including those issued by military judges or commanders) may be enforced criminally or via contempt procedures; enumerates types of violations that may rise to criminal charges (conforming changes).

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: veterans and former U.S. Armed Forces members who are victims of domestic violence and who need assistance to travel for legal, medical, or related proceedings.
  • Eligible grant recipients: County Veterans Assistance Commissions and qualifying veterans’ organizations (IRC §501(c)(19)) and their auxiliaries.
  • DHS: responsible for rulemaking and administering the grant program (subject to appropriation).
  • State Treasurer / Comptroller: handling of donated funds and deposits into the Fund.
  • Courts and victims: potential increase in access to pro bono counsel (Supreme Court rulemaking encouraged).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Filed Feb 12, 2025. Referred through Rules and Judiciary — Civil; received Do Pass (Judiciary — Civil) Mar 19, 2025.
  • House Floor Amendment No. 1 (filed Apr 7, 2025) clarifies scope (comprehensive services, transportation to legal/medical appointments) and grant administration standards; amendment recommended by Judiciary — Civil committee.
  • Public hearing held Apr 30, 2025; left pending in committee. Status listed as Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee.

Fiscal and administrative impact (summary)

  • No new mandatory appropriation in the bill; grant authority is expressly subject to appropriation.
  • Potential increased use of the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund depending on (a) private donations deposited into the Fund and (b) appropriations made by the General Assembly.
  • DHS will incur administrative costs to adopt rules and operate a grant program; eligibility verification and oversight will be required (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act applies as amended).

Additional note

The document bundle includes unrelated text from an Arizona bill also numbered HB 2708; that Arizona content is not part of this Illinois proposal.

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

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