Legislation to protect affordable housing for at-risk veterans has taken an important step forward as State Senator Sally Turner’s (R-Beason) Senate Bill 39 has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 39 reintroduces legislation from the previous General Assembly that aimed to exempt tiny homes for at-risk veterans from burdensome red tape. While the bill unanimously passed the Senate last year, it was not called for a vote in the House.
“Our veterans deserve more than just gratitude, they deserve real support,” said Senator Sally Turner. “The Central Illinois Veterans Commission is doing incredible work providing homes for those who served our country, and the last thing they need is government red tape making it harder. This legislation ensures that well-intended but costly mandates don’t stand in the way of their mission.”
The legislation ensures that the EV charging provisions of the 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Act do not apply to tiny homes designated for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, provided these homes are funded and built by qualified nonprofit organizations.
Marsha Fernandes, Chairman of the Central Illinois Veterans Commission, testified in support of the bill, highlighting the challenges the organization faced under the existing law.
“The late Joe Schaler, who was instrumental in our mission, fought tirelessly to ensure homeless veterans had a place to call home,” said Fernandes. “This bill continues his work, removing an unnecessary roadblock and allowing us to focus on what truly matters – providing safe, affordable housing for those who have served our country.”
With its passage out of committee, Senate Bill 39 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.