Chicago City Wire

Sonya M. Harper introduced HB3067 in the Illinois House on Feb. 6, 2025, during the general assembly session 104, according to the Illinois General Assembly.

According to the Illinois General Assembly site, the legislature summarized the bill's official text as follows: "Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act. Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the moneys in the Fund, upon appropriation by the General Assembly, shall be used for the purposes of the program, which include grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, technical assistance grants, technical assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture, and administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the program. Provides that moneys may be deposited into the Fund from federal grants and gifts and donations that are designated and required by the donor to be used exclusively for the purposes of the program. Provides that not more than 10% of available funds under the Act may be used for technical assistance purposes and administration. Provides that not less than 90% of funds available for grants under the Act shall be expended for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall also be available for the following purposes: (1) to provide technical assistance grants to qualified entities in support of socially disadvantaged farmers who are seeking access to farmland; and (2) to provide grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements to qualified easement holders. Provides that moneys from the Fund shall be available in each fiscal year to any qualified easement holder having made an application that has been reviewed by the Department. Provides that subject to appropriation and in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Department shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between the ages of 18 and 29 from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term and productive careers in agriculture. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act, including the adoption of rules that establish a process for submitting and processing of applications for grants no later than December 31, 2026. Provides that rules shall align with existing federal and local programs to maximize potential for matching funds. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately."

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, known as the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act, establishes a special fund to provide grants aimed at supporting socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, and new or beginning farmers in Illinois. Moneys in this fund are designated for purchasing agricultural conservation easements and offering technical assistance. A key component of the bill is the formation of the Farm Conservation Corps, intended to equip young adults from socially disadvantaged groups with skills for agriculture careers. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with assessing applications for grants and prioritizing projects that support social equity, conservation priorities, and farmland protection. In addition, the bill mandates annual research reports on the demographics and economic contributions of farmworkers, as well as exploring corporate land investments in the state. The Act is effective immediately upon becoming law.

Sonya M. Harper has proposed another 19 bills since the beginning of the 104th session.

Harper graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003 with a BA.

Sonya M. Harper is currently serving in the Illinois State House, representing the state's 6th House District. She replaced previous state representative Esther Golar in 2015.

Bills in Illinois follow a multi-step legislative process, beginning with introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule, and while typically thousands of bills are introduced each session, only a fraction successfully pass through the process to become law.

You can read more about bills and other measures here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
HB3067	02/06/2025	Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act. Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the moneys in the Fund, upon appropriation by the General Assembly, shall be used for the purposes of the program, which include grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, technical assistance grants, technical assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture, and administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the program. Provides that moneys may be deposited into the Fund from federal grants and gifts and donations that are designated and required by the donor to be used exclusively for the purposes of the program. Provides that not more than 10% of available funds under the Act may be used for technical assistance purposes and administration. Provides that not less than 90% of funds available for grants under the Act shall be expended for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall also be available for the following purposes: (1) to provide technical assistance grants to qualified entities in support of socially disadvantaged farmers who are seeking access to farmland; and (2) to provide grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements to qualified easement holders. Provides that moneys from the Fund shall be available in each fiscal year to any qualified easement holder having made an application that has been reviewed by the Department. Provides that subject to appropriation and in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Department shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between the ages of 18 and 29 from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term and productive careers in agriculture. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act, including the adoption of rules that establish a process for submitting and processing of applications for grants no later than December 31, 2026. Provides that rules shall align with existing federal and local programs to maximize potential for matching funds. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
HB3057	02/06/2025	Creates the Freedom to Train Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, employers and State-supported institutions of higher learning in this State may establish, maintain, and implement policies, practices, and requirements for the employment and conduct of employees in the workplace that are designed to safeguard employees and applicants for employment from discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Provides that the policies, practices, and requirements may be developed and administered through an office of diversity, equity, and inclusion or another administrative office or program established by the employer or State-supported institution of higher learning. Effective immediately.
HB3058	02/06/2025	Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Growing Growers Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the Department of Agriculture for making grants to socially disadvantaged farmers in food deserts. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement the grant program. Provides that, on July 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, the Comptroller shall order transferred, and the Treasurer shall transfer, $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Growing Growers Fund.
HB3060	02/06/2025	Creates the Commission to End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Act. Establishes the Commission to End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Provides that the purpose of the Commission is to study, analyze data, make recommendations, and develop policy proposals addressing the root causes of violence and resulting trauma to drastically reduce gun violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Sets forth provisions concerning membership; terms; compensation; and administrative support. Provides that the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2026 and each year thereafter, including, at a minimum, detailed findings and recommendations related to the reduction of gun violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Effective immediately.
HB3061	02/06/2025	Creates the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act. Provides that a county or municipality may issue licenses for temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues that will allow for the consumption of cannabis or cannabis-infused products and for the sale of cannabis paraphernalia at such temporary events or venues. Requires ordinances with specified requirements for such temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues before any licenses are issued. Limits home rule powers. Makes conforming changes in the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Effective immediately.
HB3064	02/06/2025	Amends the Limitations Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that every civil claim or cause of action brought against any party alleging intentional or negligent acts or omissions by a person for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered as a result of conduct which would constitute a sex offense under the Criminal Code of 2012 or incest, which is barred as of the effective date of the amendatory Act because the applicable period of limitation has expired, is revived; and the action then may be commenced not earlier than 6 months after and not later than 18 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act.
HB3066	02/06/2025	Creates the Distressed Farmers Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall, by rule, establish a grant program through which it provides (i) up to $5,000,000 for apprenticeships for individuals working in a direct or support capacity for a distressed farmer, (ii) up to $5,000,000 for distressed farmers for wells, and (iii) up to $10,000,000 for distressed farmers for certain other expenses. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a distressed farmer credit for taxable years on or after January 1, 2027 in an amount of up to $50,000 in qualified farming expenses. Defines terms.
HB3073	02/06/2025	Creates the Predisaster Flood Resilience Grant Program Act. Provides for the creation and administration of a Predisaster Flood Resilience Grant Program for for the purpose of identifying flood vulnerabilities, identifying options to improve flood resiliency, and restoring hydrology in order to reduce flood risk and damages in flood-prone communities. Sets forth requirements for assessment grants and implementation grants. Provides for eligibility requirements and grant recipient requirements. Provides for powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Defines terms.
HB3074	02/06/2025	Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue cannabis delivery organization licenses. Contains provisions regarding applications for cannabis delivery organization licenses. Requires the Department to develop a system to score applications for cannabis delivery licenses. Provides that applicants must qualify as social equity applicants in order to be awarded a cannabis delivery organization license. Requires applicants to pay a $500 application fee and a prorated fee of $500 prior to receiving a license, to be deposited into the Cannabis Regulation Fund. Contains requirements and prohibitions for cannabis delivery organizations. Provides that cannabis delivery organizations may obtain cannabis products from any cannabis business organization licensed in the State. Contains requirements for the issuance of cannabis delivery agent identification cards. Requires the Department to conduct a background check through the Illinois State Police of certain officers, board members, and agents of cannabis delivery organizations. Contains provisions regarding the renewal of cannabis delivery organization licenses and agent identification cards. Contains other provisions.
HB3075	02/06/2025	Creates the Illinois Health and Safety in Cosmetology and Barbering Products Disclosure Act. Requires the posting of health risk information and the provision of a pamphlet, with specific requirements. Requires the Department of Public Health to develop a posted notice and pamphlet that comply with the Act and make them available for download. Provides that the Department is responsible for monitoring compliance and making inspections. Denotes a petty offense as a penalty for violation. Exempts individuals or businesses who do not sell or use chemical products. Defines terms.
HB2933	02/05/2025	Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Directs the Department of Agriculture to study: (1) the specific actions that can be taken and the practices that can be implemented to mitigate the impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture in the State; (2) the costs, benefits, and feasibility of establishing and implementing financial and technical assistance programs to mitigate the impacts of drought and climate change on agricultural producers in the State; (3) the costs, benefits, and feasibility of using agricultural land management to realize greenhouse gas reductions and maximize carbon sequestration opportunities in the State; (4) the costs, benefits, and feasibility of using floatovoltaics in State waterways; and (5) the costs, benefits, and feasibility of establishing within the Department an Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office for the purpose of providing agricultural producers with the voluntary technical assistance, nonregulatory programs, and incentives necessary to harden the State's agricultural sector to the coming impacts of drought and climate change. Allows the Department to enter into a contract or grant agreement with one or more organizations or institutions with expertise in environmental and agricultural issues for the purpose of completing the tasks delegated to the Department in these provisions. Authorizes the Department, in conducting the required cost-benefit analyses, to take into account the value of ecosystem services. Directs the Department to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
HB2946	02/05/2025	Creates the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Requires the Department of Employment Security to establish and administer a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program that provides family and medical leave insurance benefits to eligible employees. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; premium payments; the amount and duration of benefits; the recovery of erroneous payments; hearings; defaulted premium payments; elective coverage; employment protection; coordination of family and medical leave; defined terms; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Account Fund. Provides phase-in periods for the collection of money and making of claims for benefits under the Act. Effective January 1, 2027.
HB2557	02/04/2025	Creates the Cannabis Delivery License Act. Provides that a Cannabis Delivery License shall authorize the license holder to deliver cannabis or cannabis-infused products purchased from a licensed dispensary directly to consumers within Illinois. Sets out application and operational requirements. Provides for penalties and enforcement. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to adopt rules. Effective immediately.
HB1607	01/23/2025	Creates the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts Act. Establishes the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the purpose of reviewing the effectiveness of current State-led efforts to eliminate food deserts in Illinois and advising the General Assembly on policy, funding, initiatives, and best practices for the elimination of food deserts in Illinois. Describes the membership of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall convene at the call of the chairperson and meet as frequently as necessary to carry out its duties. Provides that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor shall provide administrative and other support to the Commission. Provides that commissioners shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose. Provides that the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2027, with annual addenda thereafter. Provides that the Act is repealed and the Commission is dissolved if 90% of food deserts in this State have been eliminated, with certain requirements. Defines terms.
HB1608	01/23/2025	Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to annually review and update the underlying data for, and use of, indicators used to determine whether a community is designated as an environmental justice community and to establish a process by which communities not designated as environmental justice communities may petition for such a designation. Provides that an applicant for a permit for the construction of a new source that will become a major source subject to the Clean Air Act Permit Program to be located in an environmental justice community or a new source that has or will require a federally enforceable State operating permit and that will be located in an environmental justice community must conduct a public meeting prior to submission of the permit application and must submit with the permit application an environmental justice assessment identifying the potential environmental and health impacts to the area associated with the proposed project. Provides requirements for the environmental justice assessment. Contains provisions regarding public participation requirements for permitting transactions in an environmental justice community. Provides that, if the Agency grants a permit to construct, modify, or operate a facility that emits air pollutants and is classified as a minor source, a third party may petition the Pollution Control Board for a hearing to contest the issuance of the permit. Contains provisions regarding environmental justice grievances. Defines terms. Contains other provisions.
HB1331	01/14/2025	Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall consider establishing ratios for providers of genetic medicine and genetic counseling.
HB1228	01/10/2025	Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. In a provision concerning the rate of tax, provides that the definition "prescription and nonprescription medicine and drugs" includes cannabis or cannabis-infused products purchased from a dispensing organization under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act by a cardholder under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that the tax imposed under the provisions is not imposed on cannabis-infused product that is subject to tax under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act or cannabis or cannabis-infused product sold to a cardholder under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Effective January 1, 2027.
HB1229	01/10/2025	Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Provides that a patient who is covered under a policy of accident and health insurance, dental plan, or vision care plan is entitled to receive medical, dental, or eye care services without being required to pay an amount in excess of the estimated cost share, copayment, or deductible before those services are provided if such services are typically covered under the policy of accident and health insurance, dental plan, or vision care plan.
HB1230	01/10/2025	Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Creates the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation Fund. Makes a conforming change to the State Finance Act. Provides that the Environmental Protection Agency shall expend 30% of moneys from the Fund for staffing and other functions of the Agency that benefit environmental protection communities and are related to one or more specified purposes. Directs the Agency to establish an Air Quality Community Impact Grant Program to provide grants to nonprofit entities, local health departments, local environmental departments, and school districts to carry out the purposes of the Act. Requires 70% of moneys from the Fund to be expended for grants under the Program for specified purposes in communities affected by violations of the Act. Requires the Agency to adopt rules to implement the Program. Provides that the Agency, in collaboration with environmental interest groups, shall develop a process to identify environmental protection communities. Requires the Agency to post on its website and make publicly available an annual report on the purposes for which grants were awarded under the Program. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.
HB0064	01/09/2025	Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a food, food ingredient, dietary supplement, cosmetic, or other consumer product shall not be considered adulterated solely because it contains hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, including, but not limited to, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Delta-8 THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), or any hemp product, provided that the hemp used in the product complies with the definition of "hemp" as specified in federal law. Amends the Industrial Hemp Act. Conforms several provisions in the Act to federal regulations under the Domestic Hemp Production Program, including (i) definitions, (ii) requirements for the application for a license to cultivate hemp, and (iii) rulemaking requirements for the Department of Agriculture. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall adopt rules for the distribution and retail sale of hemp products under conditions in specified provisions of the Act. Provides that hemp products that contain cannabinoids, that are intended for human consumption, and that are designated for retail sale within Illinois (i) must meet specified requirements, including federal requirements and rules adopted by the Department of Public Health, and (ii) must be distributed or sold in a container that includes specified information. Provides that hemp products that are intended for inhalation or ingestion and contain detectable amounts of hemp cannabinoids may not be sold in this State to a person who is under 21 years of age. Provides that hemp products distributed or sold in violation of specified provisions in the Act shall be considered adulterated or misbranded pursuant to the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and all other applicable State laws. Defines terms. Makes technical changes.
HB0065	01/09/2025	Creates the Remedy to Remove Unauthorized Persons from Residential Real Property Act. Allows a property owner or authorized agent to request a law enforcement officer to remove an unlawful occupant of a residential dwelling if certain conditions are met. Creates a complaint form for the property owner to complete and give to a law enforcement officer to use when requesting the removal of an unlawful occupant. Provides that if the law enforcement officer verifies the information in the form, the law enforcement officer must serve a notice on the unlawful occupant to vacate the dwelling. Requires the unlawful occupant to vacate the dwelling within 3 business days of receiving the notice. Authorizes the law enforcement officer, if appropriate, to arrest any person for trespass, outstanding warrants, or any other legal cause. Authorizes the property owner to request the law enforcement officer to remain on the premises to keep the peace while the locks are changed or the personal property of the unlawful occupant is removed. Authorizes the law enforcement officer to charge reasonable fees to provide notice and remain on the premises. Allows a person to bring an action for wrongful removal, and allows the property owner to file an answer contesting the claims of the person bringing the action. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits a Class 4 felony if he or she lists or advertises residential real property for sale knowing that the purported seller has no legal title or authority to sell the property, or rents or leases the property to another person knowing that he or she has no lawful ownership in the property or leasehold interest in the property. Provides that a person commits a Class A misdemeanor when he or she enters upon the land or premises of another and resides on such land or premises for any period of time knowingly acting without the knowledge or consent of the owner, rightful occupant, or an authorized representative of the owner.
HB1223	01/09/2025	Amends the Racial Impact Note Act. Provides that by December 31, 2025, the Office of the Governor shall submit a report to the General Assembly with recommendations regarding the production of statements or notes that a member of the General Assembly may request under the Act. Requires the report to include certain recommendations on methodology, formatting, and a course of training for personnel of certain State agencies. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Office of the Governor may contract with an entity or entities that have expertise in racial impact or equity impact assessments for the production of the report. Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.
HB1227	01/09/2025	Creates the Enslavement Era Disclosure and Redress Act. Requires each contractor that participates in a competitive bid with the State to review its records for evidence of the contractor's or a related party's participation in slaveholding or the slave trade and to make certain disclosures with respect to that participation. Contains provisions concerning notice of public hearings following the disclosures. Provides that the Illinois Office of Equity shall appoint an administrator to oversee the program. Provides that each contractor that has disclosed participation in slaveholding or the slave trade shall provide the State with a statement of financial redress at the time of submitting its bid. Contains provisions creating a Redress Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.