SPRINGFIELD, IL – Three bills sponsored and supported by Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) were signed into law last week. These new laws seek to increase National Guard recruitment and improve higher education and mental health services for veterans. They go into effect January 1, 2027.
“As a veteran of the Illinois National Guard, I understand the obligation we have to provide support for veterans when they return home after their service,” said Rep. Rosenthal, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee. “The Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) will help us with new recruitment incentives in Illinois, and SB 3737 requires colleges to promptly readmit veterans back into education programs when they return from service to our state and country.”
Senate Bill 3818 (Public Act 104-0575) creates the “Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program,” encouraging peer-to-peer referrals by current members of the Illinois National Guard to help enlist soldiers or airmen.
Under Senate Bill 3737 (Public Act 104-0574), universities will be required to promptly readmit students following academic leave for National Guard and U.S. Reserve service members who follow the proper reporting process, provided their leave is no longer than five years.
With the signing of Senate Bill 3926 (Public Act 104-0576), veterans who often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety will gain access to clinical drug trials under the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for treatments that are still moving through preliminary clinical trials.
“The goal of the ‘Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council’ is to streamline the health care infrastructure to responsibly advance FDA Breakthrough Therapies into the hands of veterans faster,” added Rosenthal.
For any question, Rep. Rosenthal may be reached at the district office at 217-782-8071.