HB 4058

Abstract

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Removes provisions that now allow a right of admission to veterans of the Spanish American War or World War One. Provides that a veteran is entitled to admission to an Illinois Veterans Home for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home care if he or she (i) has served in the armed forces of the United States at least one day in the Global War on Terrorism, (ii) has served and was honorably discharged or retired from the armed forces of the United States for a service connected disability or injury, (iii) has served as an enlisted person at least 90 days on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, excluding service on active duty for training purposes only, and entered active duty before September 8, 1980, (iv) has served as an officer at least 90 days on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, excluding service on active duty for training purposes only, and entered active duty before October 17, 1981, (v) has served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for 24 months of continuous service or more, excluding active duty for training purposes only, and enlisted after September 7, 1980, (vi) has served as a reservist in the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard and the service included being called to federal active duty, excluding service on active duty for training purposes only, and who completed the term, or (vii) has been discharged for reasons of hardship or released from active duty due to a reduction in the United States armed forces prior to the completion of the required period of service, regardless of the actual time served. Provides that an individual who served during a time of conflict has preference over all other qualifying candidates, for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary or nursing home care at any Illinois Veterans Home. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.