HB 359

Abstract

Amends the Veterans' Employment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' Accountability Unit (Unit) which shall receive complaints and recommendations from: (i) veterans and other Illinois residents who seek services from the Department; (ii) residents of Veterans' Homes, their families, and visitors; (iii) vendors and contractors of the Department; and (iv) staff of the Department. Requires the Governor to appoint for a 4-year term, with Senate confirmation, the Director of the Unit. Provides that the Director shall ensure that the Unit maintains regular office hours and establishes both a toll-free helpline and a dedicated electronic mail address for the purpose of accepting complaints, information, and recommendations. Provides that the Unit shall function independently of the Department. Contains provisions concerning salaries and benefits for the Unit's staff and Director; and staff access to any information, documents, and personnel of the Department that is needed to perform the duties of the Unit. Requires the Unit to ensure all complaints, allegations, or incidents of possible misconduct or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by any employee, service provider, or contractor of the Department are reported to the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General. Requires the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General to determine whether to investigate a complaint or make a referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requires the Unit to create annual reports that include a summary of the complaints received and actions taken in response. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall limit any investigations by the Department of Veterans' Affairs that may otherwise be required by law. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 330 ILCS 25/1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill but replaces all references to "Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General" with "Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor."