Public Act 095-0294
 
HB0670 Enrolled LRB095 07621 HLH 27771 b

    AN ACT concerning State government.
 
    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
 
    Section 5. The Department of Veterans Affairs Act is
amended by adding Section 20 as follows:
 
    (20 ILCS 2805/20 new)
    Sec. 20. Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force. The
Illinois Discharged Servicemember Task Force is hereby created
within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Task Force shall
investigate the re-entry process for service members who return
to civilian life after being engaged in an active theater. The
investigation shall include the effects of post-traumatic
stress disorder, homelessness, disabilities, and other issues
the Task Force finds relevant to the re-entry process. The Task
Force shall include the following members:
        (a) a representative of the Department of Veterans
    Affairs, who shall chair the committee;
        (b) a representative from the Department of Military
    Affairs;
        (c) a representative from the Office of the Illinois
    Attorney General;
        (d) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the
    Speaker of the House;
        (e) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the
    House Minority Leader;
        (f) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the
    President of the Senate;
        (g) a member of the General Assembly appointed by the
    Senate Minority Leader;
        (h) 4 members chosen by the Department of Veterans
    Affairs, who shall represent statewide veterans'
    organizations or veterans' homeless shelters;
        (i) one member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;
    and
        (j) a representative of the United States Department of
    Veterans Affairs shall be invited to participate.
Vacancies in the Task Force shall be filled by the initial
appointing authority. Task Force members shall serve without
compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses
incurred in performing duties associated with the Task Force.
    By July 1, 2008 and by July 1 of each year thereafter, the
Task Force shall present an annual report of its findings to
the Governor, the Attorney General, the Director of Veterans'
Affairs, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
    If the Task Force becomes inactive because active theaters
cease, the Director of Veterans Affairs may reactivate the Task
Force if active theaters are reestablished.
 
    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.