Pritzker signs plan keeping veteran tiny homes affordable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will help more veterans find affordable housing without going through government red tape.

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) refiled her plan this year to allow tiny homes to be exempt from the 2023 state law requiring all homes to be built with electric vehicle charging capacity.

The legislation ensures that the EV charging provisions of the Electric Vehicle Charging Act do not apply to tiny homes designated for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, provided the homes are funded and built by qualified nonprofit groups.

Turner said this change could remove an unnecessary barrier and allow nonprofit organizations to focus on safe housing for veterans.

"Joe Schaler from the Central Illinois Veterans Commission was the one who brought this bill forward," Turner said. "He fought tirelessly for this, and he passed away last year. So, we're dedicating this bill to Joe Schaler and we hope that you'll vote for it."

The law gained unanimous support in both chambers earlier this year. Senate Bill 39 took effect Friday.