SUICIDE PREVENTION-VETERANS

Creates the Suicide Prevention Signage Act. Provides that a building, bridge, ferry, or park constructed or replaced after July 1, 2025 as a public works project must have in appropriate locations signs displaying the 9-8-8 national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to administer a suicide prevention community-based services grant program to provide suicide prevention, peer support, and other assistance to at-risk and transitioning veterans and military members and their families. Requires the Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to establish a process to receive, review, process, and award grants to organizations that address veterans, military members, and their families who may be at risk of suicide and other mental health crises. Creates the Veterans and Military Members Suicide Prevention Fund and sets forth the purpose of the Fund. Contains provisions on the creation of a database of information on State, federal, and community resources that address the mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention of veterans, military members, and their families; internet-accessible suicide education training and information for veterans, military members, and their families; a Suicide-Safer Homes Task Force; a State Global War on Terror Memorial; and other matters. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to inquire about the military service of all public aid applicants at the point of application. Amends the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act. Provides that an expansion of safe storage of firearms and reduced access to lethal means in the community is encouraged to better prevent suicide by veterans, military members, and their families. Provides that a licensed firearms dealer who allows a person to temporarily store a firearm on the dealer's premises in a storage locker, box, or container does not thereby create a special relationship, for civil liability purposes. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may issue Prevent Veteran Suicide universal special license plates. Effective July 1, 2023, with some parts taking effect on October 1, 2023 and some parts taking effect July 1, 2025.

• Harry BentonD
• Stephanie A. KifowitD