IL HB1273

Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act to add a statutory definition of "veteran" that includes four categories: active duty service members discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, those who received service-connected disabilities or died in service, National Guard and reservists, and those determined to be veterans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Defines "United States Armed Forces" to include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard

Establishes Illinois residency requirement for eligibility: the veteran's service must have been entered into or served in Illinois, or the person must have resided in the state for at least one day

Creates an exception to the residency requirement for determining the residential eligibility of a deceased veteran's dependents

Introduced by Rep. Maurice A. West, II in the 104th General Assembly (2025-2026 session)