HB 5542

Abstract

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Deletes the term "no-wrong-door" in provisions regarding the system of support for service members, veterans, and their families. Removes provisions requiring the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation (Foundation) to utilize working groups when convening military and veteran support organizations and when providing policy recommendations that benefit service members, veterans, and their families. Removes provisions requiring the Foundation to facilitate the transfer of information and knowledge among Illinois Joining Forces member organizations. Makes changes to the definition of "veterans service organization". Provides that the Foundation may also include up to 18 additional voting members of the Board of Directors: 9 members to be nominated and approved by the Board of Directors according to the Foundation's bylaws, and 9 members to be nominated by the Director of Veterans' Affairs or the Director of Military Affairs. Provides that, to ensure parity, no additional nominees may be considered by the Board of Directors unless a like appointment is made by the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the Department of Military Affairs, and vice versa. Provides that, in consultation with the Foundation's Board of Directors, the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the Department of Military Affairs may adopt other rules deemed necessary to govern Foundation procedures (rather than the Department of Veterans' Affairs may adopt rules in consultation with the Department of Military Affairs). Permits the Foundation to receive services, including, but not limited to, contractual services, provided by either the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the Department of Military Affairs.