McHenry Times

Senator Craig Wilcox announced a new law aimed at benefiting disabled veterans by waiving extra costs associated with local government fees. "This new law will ease the financial burden a bit by waiving the extra costs of local government fees," Wilcox stated in a July 4 Facebook post.

"Our veterans leave their homes and families to protect homes and families across our state and our nation," said Craig A Wilcox, State Senator 32nd District (R), according to Facebook. "When they return, disabled veterans often need to adapt or upgrade their homes because of injuries sustained during service to their country. This new law will ease the financial burden a bit by waiving the extra costs of local government fees."

The bill was initially filed by Senator Dan McConchie on January 16, 2024, and Wilcox signed on as a co-sponsor on February 13, 2024. It advanced to the House of Representatives on April 11, 2024. Representative Stephanie Kifowit is the chief sponsor in the House. The bill passed both the Senate and the House on May 15, moving to Governor J.B. Pritzker for signing on June 13 and was signed into law on July 1. The law will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Screenshot of Sen. Craig WIlcox's July 4 Facebook post | Sen. Craig Wilcox Facebook page

According to the General Assembly’s website focused on the bill, it stipulates that a disabled veteran or their caregiver will not be charged building permit fees for home improvements necessary to accommodate the disability. All applications, forms, and other paperwork must still be submitted. This includes veterans of the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves of the Armed Forces, provided they show veteran status and attest that the renovations are necessary.

On Wilcox’s official website, a news release indicates that currently disabled veterans must pay renovation costs as well as permit fees to local governments where they reside. The website noted that Senate Bill 2751 passed both legislative houses unanimously before reaching Governor Pritzker's desk for signing.

Colonel Craig Wilcox is a 24-year veteran of the Air Force representing Illinois' 32nd Senate District since his appointment in 2018. His prior political experience includes two years on the McHenry County Board representing District 4. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1989 and has been deployed multiple times since September 11 attacks including assignments in Kyrgyzstan and Iraq. He resides in McHenry with his wife and three children according to his official biography.