CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed three bills into law that will fortify recruitment to the Illinois National Guard with newly incentivized peer-to-peer referral practices, as well as connect our state’s veterans to continued education pathways and life-saving breakthrough therapies for suicide prevention.

“Every service member makes a sacrifice when they take time away from their loved ones, career, or education to answer the call to defend our nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This legislation ensures our Illinois veterans can return to the lives they put on pause with the support and resources they need to thrive. The State of Illinois is working to build a strong, capable, prepared National Guard, both by introducing new recruitment pathways and creating programs that assist service members long after their service is complete.”

“Our service members have answered the call to serve our country, and Illinois is committed to serving them in return,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “These new laws strengthen support for military families by expanding educational opportunities, increasing access to innovative mental health care, and investing in the future of the Illinois National Guard. It’s one more way we’re honoring their service with meaningful action.”

These bills include:

Helping Veterans Return to the Classroom After Academic Military Leave

National Guard and U.S. Reserve service members are often called into active duty without advance notice, forcing students to face academic penalties, tuition loss, and other barriers to completing their degrees.

SB 3737, the Service Member Education Rights Veneration Act, is modeled after the federal SERVE Act and creates a more direct pathway for students to complete their studies after military service interruption. The law requires universities to grant veterans prompt readmission, so long as the student follows the proper reporting process and their leave is no longer than five years.

“Supporting our veterans and service members is about more than recognizing them for their sacrifice and honor; it’s about creating good policy that provides support and relief where they need it most,” said Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Whether it’s leading cutting-edge innovations to treat veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or making it easier for military students to return to classes after being deployed, Illinois is on the forefront of policy that will empower our service members throughout their lives.”

Building a Robust and Prepared Illinois National Guard

SB 3818 bolsters recruitment to the Illinois National Guard with new grants incentivizing peer-to-peer referrals through the establishment of the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) under the Illinois Department of Military Affairs. This program leverages the indispensable knowledge of current Illinois National Guard members to facilitate the enlistment of new soldiers and airmen and provides financial compensation for successful referrals.

Neighboring and peer states have reported increased recruitment through similar programs. Aligning with these measures will allow Illinois to maintain a strong and capable National Guard, prepared to effectively respond to state domestic emergencies and contribute to our nation’s defense.

“The JEEP program authorizes the Department of Military Affairs to make grants for the purpose of incentivizing recruitment into the Illinois National Guard and would increase recruitment through peer-to-peer referrals,” said Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha). “This will make it possible for more Illinoisans to have opportunities to access all the training and job skills that National Guard membership can provide.” ​

“Members of our military, whether serving in unnecessary foreign wars or right here at home in the National Guard, deserve to pursue an education when they return from service,” said Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “The SERVE Act ensures that students’ higher education enrollment and student standing are preserved, allowing military members and veterans to return to their education and develop a career beyond their invaluable service to our state and our country.”

“Our nation celebrated its 250^th birthday on July 4. In those 250 years, the Illinois National Guard has responded to every major conflict our nation has faced and every major domestic emergency the State of Illinois has faced,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs. “We need to recruit and retain dedicated men and women to accomplish both our state and federal missions. The Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program will help us in this endeavor, and it will put us in a better position to meet whatever challenges we might face in the next 250 years and beyond.”

Supporting Access to Breakthrough Therapies for Veterans’ Mental Health

The Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council was created to advise the State on the health care infrastructure needed to provide veterans with access to preliminary clinical drug trials that might offer significant mental health benefits. These therapies include MDMA and pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin, which are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety – conditions many veterans struggle with after service and combat.

SB 3926 amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law and the Department of Public Health Act, moving the Council under the purview of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which is better equipped to oversee and support this specific program.

“Veterans are at a 58 percent higher risk of dying by suicide, and as advocates for veterans, we witness the challenges each day,” said Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince. “SB 3926 exemplifies the state’s commitment to implementing every strategy available to ensure Illinois veterans receive the resources, therapies, and support they need to avoid a crisis and prevent suicide.”

“Our veterans fought for America’s future. We owe them access to the future of medicine,” said State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-West Chicago). “Senate Bill 3926 strengthens the expertise needed to responsibly advance FDA Breakthrough Therapies that can bring new hope to veterans facing the invisible wounds of service.”

Governor Pritzker believes that the State is responsible for supporting our service members and veterans with the same level of commitment they have shown defending and serving Illinois. Today’s legislation is an important step in connecting service men and women to teams they can rely on while protecting our state and nation, as well as continued education and crucial mental health treatments after their service ends.

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