Senator Sally Turner’s Tiny Vets Home Bill Becomes Law
Legislation championed by State Senator Sally Turner to protect affordable housing options for at-risk veterans has officially been signed into law.
Senate Bill 39 ensures that nonprofit-built tiny homes for homeless and at-risk veterans are exempt from burdensome Electric Vehicle (EV) charging requirements that could otherwise drive up construction costs. The measure passed both chambers of the General Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support before arriving at the Governor’s desk.
Under the 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Act, newly built residential properties were required to include EV-capable infrastructure. For small nonprofit organizations building affordable tiny homes for at-risk veterans, those requirements could significantly increase costs and divert limited resources away from their core mission. The new law ensures those provisions do not apply to tiny homes for at-risk veterans constructed and funded by qualified nonprofit organizations such as the Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC), which has led efforts to provide housing for homeless veterans in central Illinois.
State Senator Sally Turner says this law is about getting potentially burdensome governmental regulations out of the way of the people who are stepping up to serve our veterans.
Senate Bill 39 was signed into law by the Governor on Friday, August 15, and takes effect immediately.
Secretary of State Warns of Text Message Scam
Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for a phishing scam disguised as a message from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.”
The scam, which has been circulating for several months, employs alarming language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an attempt to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim that recipients owe traffic fines and face vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.
State Senator Sally Turner says residents should be cautious and avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages.
The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that it does not send text messages about driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Legitimate texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.
Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Upcoming Youth Fishing Derby
State Senator Sally Turner and State Representative Regan Deering are inviting area families to join them for a free Youth Fishing Derby at Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The event is open to children of all ages, and no fishing license will be required. Attendees can enjoy free admission, free refreshments, and the opportunity to win prizes. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police will also be on hand to assist.
The Fishing Derby will take place at Weldon Springs State Park, located at 4734 Weldon Springs Road, Clinton, Illinois.
For more information, residents can contact Senator Turner’s district office at 217-651-8291 or Representative Deering’s office at 217-876-1968.
