SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Halpin applauded the new slate of laws intended to increase recruitment at the Illinois National Guard and connect veterans to continued education pathways and life-saving breakthrough therapies for suicide prevention.
“I am proud to see Illinois implement new laws that strengthen support for service members and veterans,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These policies help build on our efforts to ensure our servicemen and women needs are met while also attracting new recruits. I greatly appreciate the effort to support access to breakthrough therapies for veteran mental health. Illinois must be committed to serving those who served us when they come home.”
Three pieces of legislation were signed into law Wednesday to support service members and veterans.
Senate Bill 3926 moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council under the Department of Public Health..
The Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council was created to advise the state on the health care infrastructure needed to provide veterans with access to preliminary clinical drug trials that might offer significant mental health benefits. These therapies include MDMA and pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin, which are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety – conditions many veterans struggle with after service and combat.
The council, established in 2023, advises on guidelines and infrastructure to support innovative therapies for veteran suicide prevention. Under the new law, the council will also advise the Illinois Department of Public Health on techniques to provide specialized training for therapy administrators, ensure patient safety and run public awareness campaigns.
To support higher education students during their services Senate Bill 3737 was signed into law to require universities to promptly readmit students following academic military leave.More support is being provided to Illinois National Guard recruitment through Senate Bill 3818. The law incentivizes Illinois National Guard recruitment with peer-to-peer referrals.
“I am glad to see Illinois taking steps to give service members an opportunity to complete their higher education,” said Halpin. “When a service member puts their life on hold to serve our country, we should do what we can to get their career back on track once they return to civilian life. Policies like this incentivize bright young people to join the National Guard, leading to a more educated military, and a promising career path in civilian life.”
Senate Bills 3737, 3818 and 3926 were signed into law Wednesday and take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
