Springfield…. Legislation introduced by State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) to provide additional assistance to veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary-Criminal committee on Tuesday, March 7.
The legislation, HB 2897, would expand the Helping Paws Service Dog Program to allow veterans with PTSD or depression to be able to receive a service dog free of charge. The Helping Paws Service Dog Program is facilitated by the Department of Corrections where offenders train dogs and provide them to people with certain disabilities.
“Many veterans in Illinois could benefit from a service dog,” Severin said, “This bill will further help us fulfill our obligation to care for our veterans when they return home while utilizing a highly effective program that is already in existence. I want to thank my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this bill and I look forward to HB 2897 receiving a vote on the House floor.”
To learn more about the bill Click Here.