SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. J-B Pritzker on Sunday signed a package of legislation to further honor and protect the state’s service members.
One of the seven new laws means families of fallen National Guard soldiers killed in active duty will be presented with the American Flag while another reverses dishonorable discharges that were issued because of a service member’s sexuality, according to the governor.
“Our state will henceforth recognize as honorable, any negative military discharge based on sexual or gender orientation, an overdue amendment for so many,” Pritzker said.
Other new laws help expedite professional license applications submitted by Illinois service members or their spouses and require the P-O-W or M-I-A flags to be flown at all state parks within five years.
