Bill > HB1359

This bill creates the Protecting Illinois Native Landscapes Act, which prevents local governments from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting property owners from growing or maintaining native Illinois plant species on their land. The bill defines "Illinois native species" as plants that existed in the state prior to European settlement, and a "native landscape" as an intentionally maintained area primarily comprised of these native species. Specifically, the legislation allows property owners to have native plant species in various areas including front, back, and side yards, as well as on farms, corporate campuses, school grounds, and large estates. The bill does include some exceptions, such as allowing local governments to restrict plants that interfere with transportation, traffic sight lines, or that cross property boundaries. Notably, the bill also limits home rule units (local governments with broader self-governing powers) from creating regulations that conflict with the protections for native landscaping. The overall intent appears to be promoting biodiversity, protecting natural habitats, and preventing local ordinances that might discourage the cultivation of native plant species.