SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Combat veterans returning from active duty will qualify for free Illinois license plates under legislation signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises reports the new law takes effect in January 2017.
It will waive the fees for one year after the veteran returns to Illinois.
Republican Sen. Neil Anderson of Rock Island sponsored the measure, which both chambers of the Legislature passed unanimously and Rauner signed on Friday.
Anderson says the bill will help make the transition to civilian life “just a little easier” for returning veterans.
The law requires veterans to provide documentation to the Secretary of State proving they received hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay in the 12 months prior to their application for new plates.
