SB2148 Summary

• Amends the Military Code of Illinois to expand eligibility for grants from the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to include members injured during combat operations resulting from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

• Establishes three categories of grant recipients: (i) Illinois National Guard and reserve members called to active duty; (ii) those who sustained injuries from terrorist activity, combat, or related incidents while deployed; and (iii) families of eligible members.

• Requires the Department of Military Affairs to award a minimum of $5,000 to each casualty-based grant recipient and extends eligibility to active duty members of the armed forces who are Illinois residents.

• Limits recipients to receive only one casualty-based grant for injuries from the same engagement or incident.

• Protects grant funds from garnishment, wage levy, forfeiture, and other remedies unless required by state or federal law, and allows the Department to use up to 5% of casualty-based grant appropriations for program administration.