Illinois Senate committee approves bill keeping veteran tiny homes affordable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan moving in the Illinois Senate could help more veterans have affordable housing without going through government red tape.

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) has reintroduced a bill to allow tiny homes to be exempt from a 2023 state law requiring all homes to be built with electric vehicle charging capacity.

Turner told the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday that the well-intended law is actually a costly mandate for nonprofit organizations like the Central Illinois Veterans Commission.

"One of our most unique services in the CIVC is our tiny home projects we provide veterans with affordable permanent housing, and it's tailored to their specific needs," Turner said. "We have many of them that are handicapped and need that handicap accessibility."

The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Senate floor. Senators unanimously approved the same bill last year, but the plan died in the House.

"The late Joe Schaler, who was instrumental in our mission, fought tirelessly to ensure homeless veterans had a place to call home," said CIVC Chair Marsha Fernandes. "This bill continues his work, removing an unnecessary roadblock and allowing us to focus on what truly matters - providing safe, affordable housing for those who have served our country."