Definitions

Definitions. As used in this Act: "Armed forces of the United States" means the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, or the reserve component of any of those, and includes the Illinois National Guard. "Private employer" means any non-public sole proprietor, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other private, non-public entity employing one or more employees within Illinois. "Veteran" means an individual who meets one or more of the following: (1) has served on active duty with the armed forces of the United States for a period of more than 180 days and was discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; (2) was discharged or released from active duty with the armed forces of the United States because of a service-connected disability; or (3) is a member of the Illinois National Guard who has never been deployed but separated under conditions other than dishonorable as noted on the individual's NGB-22 discharge form. "Veterans' preference employment policy" means a private employer's voluntary preference for hiring, promoting, or retaining a veteran over another equally qualified applicant or employee. (Source: P.A. 99-152, eff. 1-1-16.)