Greenwood Bills Focused on Supporting and Recognizing Service Members Now Law

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – New laws backed by state Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, will make it easier for military members and their spouses to receive a professional license in Illinois as well as ensure that the POW/MIA flag is solemnly displayed in state parks.

“With Scott Air Force Base, our community has housed thousands of military members and their families over the years,” Greenwood said. “Often times, we have individuals who are professionally licensed for specific jobs, such as nursing, that require a new license here in Illinois. When someone has uprooted their entire family as part of their service to our country, we need to do what we can to welcome them here in Illinois, and that starts by expediting their licensing review process.”

Introduced by Greenwood, House Bill 2776 was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday. Greenwood’s new law will require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to expedite the professional license application review process for members of the military or their spouses within 30 days of receiving documentation.

Greenwood also served as lead House sponsor of Senate Bill 2089, which was also signed into law. The measure will require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to fly the United States flag, Illinois state flag and the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag at all state parks within five years.

“By flying the POW/MIA flag at our state parks, we are making a small but notable gesture to remember our service members who gave themselves so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have,” Greenwood said. “I am thankful for the dedication and service from our veterans and service members, and look forward to continuing efforts that support them here in Illinois.”

Both House Bill 2776 and Senate Bill 2089 take effect Jan. 1, 2022. For more information, please contact StateRepGreenwood@gmail.com.