Bill
HB 3602
Allows admission to Illinois Veterans Homes for veterans with a prior crime of violence if the sentence ended 20+ years ago, preserving other eligibility rules.
Status and procedural posture
- Introduced by Rep. Jackie Haas (filed with Clerk Feb. 7, 2025; bill text dated Feb. 18, 2025; filed/entered Mar. 3, 2025).
- Current status: Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to the Rules Committee (Mar. 21, 2025).
- Recent actions: reported favorably without amendment by committee (Apr. 22, 2025); placed on the General State Calendar and read a second time (May 7, 2025); laid on the table subject to call (May 12, 2025).
- Companion bill: SB 1886.
Purpose / intent
- To remove a categorical bar to admission to Illinois Veterans Homes for veterans who have a prior conviction for a “crime of violence,” provided the veteran completed their sentence at least 20 years before applying. The bill is an amendment to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act (20 ILCS 2805/2.01).
Key provision(s)
- Adds the following eligibility protection to section 2.01 of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act:
- “No veteran who otherwise meets the requirements of this Section shall be denied admission to a Veterans Home on account of a prior conviction for a crime of violence as defined in the Crime Victims Compensation Act if the veteran completed his or her sentence 20 or more years prior to applying for admission into the Veterans Home.”
- Existing eligibility criteria for admission (service dates, honorable discharge/retirement for service‑connected disability, residency, and disability/nursing needs applicable to specific homes) remain unchanged.
Who is affected
- Primary: Veterans who otherwise meet statutory admission requirements for Illinois Veterans Homes but have a prior conviction for a crime of violence and who completed their sentence at least 20 years before applying.
- Secondary: Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and Veterans Home admission staff (policy/practice changes, records review), current residents, staff, and stakeholders (veterans’ advocacy groups, public safety and victim‑advocacy organizations).
Practical implications
- Expands access to state Veterans Home services for long‑ago convictions by creating a 20‑year “lookback” cutoff for crimes of violence as defined under the Crime Victims Compensation Act.
- Administrative impact: admissions processes may need to implement procedures to assess conviction history and calculate the 20‑year post‑sentence period.
- Policy considerations likely to arise during debate include balancing veteran reintegration and access to care with resident safety, risk assessment, and disclosure/notification practices. The bill does not alter other eligibility or health/safety rules that may govern admissions.
Statutory reference
- Amends: Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act, 20 ILCS 2805/2.01.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
