Benton Bill Aimed at Aiding Military Families Moving to Illinois Becomes Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Military members and their spouses who require professional certifications will have an easier time when moving to Illinois under a new law introduced by State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, that became law on Monday.

“I went to Springfield to advocate on behalf of working families, and military families absolutely fit that description,” Benton said. “When you’re in the military and movement orders make it necessary to uproot yourself and your family, it shouldn’t be the case that you have to start from scratch. That’s why it was time to step up and address this issue.”

Benton’s House Bill 3295 requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) to proactively notify veterans and their spouses who are moving to Illinois of any federal programs which are available to reimburse the costs of reobtaining licensing fees and professional credentials. Many such federal programs exist, but military families were not always aware of them, which could result in their paying too much to be relicensed after moving.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on July 31 and took effect immediately.

“This is a step in the right direction, but there’s always more we can do for our brave and selfless military members and their families,” Benton said. “I look forward to diving back on this and other issues impacting our state as soon as the House reconvenes.”

For more information about House Bill 3295 and all other Illinois legislation, visit ilga.gov.