IL HB2657

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to establish programs based on recommendations from the Task Force on Veterans' Suicide (final report published December 30, 2016).

Requires the Department to contact the U.S. Department of Defense to identify and conduct proactive outreach to veterans from high casualty units, units in high conflict areas, or units where service members committed suicide.

Mandates the Department conduct a public awareness campaign (alone or with nonprofits) addressing trauma and internal injuries suffered by veterans, dispelling myths about grieving, suicide, and mental health healing.

Requires the Department to develop a licensing program for therapy dogs (with possible extension to other animals) for veterans, including training standards and identification requirements.

Directs the Department to adopt any necessary rules to implement these provisions and coordinate with existing suicide prevention programs.