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HJR 59

VETS HOMES TASK FORCE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Kifowit and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a time-limited, multi-stakeholder Task Force to study and recommend expanding Illinois Veterans Homes to improve access, location, and capacity for veterans.

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Bill Summary · HJR 59

Overview

  • Bill: HJR 59 (Illinois, 104th General Assembly)
  • Type: House Joint Resolution
  • Purpose: Establish the Illinois Veterans Homes Expansion Task Force to study and recommend expansion of Illinois Veterans Homes (IVHs) to better meet the needs of aging and disabled veterans, improve geographic access, and address workforce and infrastructure considerations.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a dedicated task force to assess the need for expanding Illinois Veterans Homes and strategically locate future facilities.
  • Aim to ensure high-quality, affordable long-term care for veterans, particularly those with combat-related injuries, PTSD, TBI, and age-related conditions.
  • Address gaps in access due to current geographic distribution and regional disparities, with attention to rural and downstate areas.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of the Illinois Veterans Homes Expansion Task Force.
  • Scope of study includes:
    • Identifying areas with the greatest unmet demand for IVH services.
    • Determining locations that maximize accessibility for veterans and families.
    • Reducing regional disparities in long-term care access.
    • Considering workforce availability, infrastructure needs, transportation, and proximity to VA and medical services.
  • Task Force composition (all members serve without compensation):
    • 2 House members (one appointed by the Speaker, one by the House Minority Leader).
    • 2 Senate members (one appointed by the Senate President, one by the Senate Minority Leader).
    • 3 members appointed by the Director of IDVA.
    • 2 members representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Illinois), nominated by the State Commander and appointed by the Governor.
    • 1 member representing The American Legion (Illinois), nominated by the Department Commander and appointed by the Speaker.
    • 1 member representing Illinois AMVETS, nominated by the Commander and appointed by the House Minority Leader.
    • 1 member representing Illinois Joining Forces, nominated by the Executive Director and appointed by the Senate President.
    • 1 member representing an Illinois-based chapter of Veterans Assistance Commissions, nominated by the chapter and appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.
    • 1 member representing a 501(c)(19) veterans organization operating within each IDVA region, appointed by the IDVA Director.
  • Timelines and appointments:
    • Initial appointments to be made within three months after adoption.
    • Vacancies filled in the same manner as the original appointments.
  • Support and resources:
    • IDVA to provide technical assistance, administrative support, and relevant data to the Task Force.
  • Meeting requirements:
    • Task Force to hold its first meeting at the call of the co-chairs and meet at least once per month until completion.
  • Deliverables:
    • Written report of findings and recommendations due to the Governor and General Assembly no later than January 7, 2027.
    • Upon filing of the report, the Task Force is dissolved.
  • Administrative: Copies of the resolution to key state leaders and the Governor.

Who is affected

  • Illinois veterans and their families, particularly those needing long-term care services.
  • Residents and potential residents of Illinois Veterans Homes.
  • Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) for operational support and data sharing.
  • External stakeholders and veteran service organizations (VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Illinois Joining Forces, Veterans Assistance Commissions, and 501(c)(19) veteran groups) participating on the Task Force.
  • State lawmakers and the Governor, who will receive the task force’s final report.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Establishment of a time-bound study: final report due by January 7, 2027.
  • Task Force dissolution upon report filing.
  • Appointments to be completed within three months of adoption.
  • Ongoing monthly meetings required until completion.
  • Funding/compensation: Members serve without compensation.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The resolution formalizes a multi-stakeholder process to plan future IVH capacity and distribution.
  • Could lead to expanded IVH facilities, improved geographic accessibility, and better alignment with veteran demographics and needs.
  • Analysis of workforce and infrastructure may inform capital planning, funding needs, and collaboration with VA services.
  • Findings may influence state policy on long-term care for veterans and budget allocations for expanding veteran-oriented facilities.

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

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