METROPOLIS, IL – In a move to ensure every veteran receives the dignified farewell they deserve, Illinois has established a new form of paid leave. While this law, Senate Bill 220 (The Military Leave Act), officially took effect late last year, its impact is being felt throughout 2026 as employers and employees adapt to the new standard for honoring our fallen service members.
This law creates a pathway for employees who volunteer for this solemn duty—often retired service members or members of veterans’ organizations—to participate without sacrificing their income.
Key Provisions of the Military Funeral Honors Paid Leave
This law requires certain employers to provide a specific amount of paid time off for employees participating in an official military funeral honors detail.
1. The Leave Entitlement
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Time Allotted: Eligible employees can take up to 8 hours of paid leave per calendar month to participate in a funeral honors detail.
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Annual Cap: The total leave is capped at 40 hours per calendar year, though employers may authorize more.
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Payment: Leave must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay.
2. Who is Covered?
The law covers employers with 51 or more employees. To be eligible, the employee must meet specific criteria:
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Longevity: Must have been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the preceding year.
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Trained Role: Must be trained to participate in a funeral honors detail and be either:
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An active or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve Components (including the Illinois National Guard).
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An authorized provider or a registered member of a veterans’ service organization recognized by the Armed Forces to augment the uniformed military detail.
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3. Protecting Other Benefits
Crucially, employers cannot require an employee to use or exhaust any other forms of accrued leave—such as vacation, personal, compensatory, or sick leave—before granting this military funeral honors paid leave. This ensures the leave is a dedicated benefit.
4. Limited Denial Exception
While the leave is mandatory, employers at certain 24/7 care facilities (like nursing homes or assisted living facilities) may deny a request if granting the leave would reduce staffing levels below the established minimum, except where a union agreement specifies otherwise.
A Dignified Farewell
A military funeral honors detail is the solemn ceremony provided to a deceased veteran, typically including the folding of the flag, its presentation to the family, and the playing of “Taps.” This law recognizes that the dedication of the individuals who perform this service is vital to honoring the sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
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