HB2628 - Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission Act

• Creates the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission to coordinate state efforts in assessing and achieving successful transition, adjustment, and reintegration of service members, veterans, and their families.

• Commission composition includes the Governor as Chairperson, Directors of Military Affairs and Veterans' Affairs as co-vice chairs, 4 legislative appointees, representatives from 32 state agencies and departments, the Illinois Joining Forces Board Chairperson, and up to 15 additional members from military organizations, veteran service groups, and mental health/substance abuse providers.

• Requires each member agency to designate an Ombudsman for military community issues and one full-time employee to provide staff assistance to the Commission.

• Commission shall meet at least 4 times annually, issue periodic progress reports, monitor implementation of federal suicide prevention and homelessness initiatives, and promote coordination among state, county, and local government units serving the military community.

• Commission is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act; members serve without compensation for 4-year terms with priority given to service members, veterans, and military families for commission seats.