summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Mink Facility Disease Prevention Act. Requires a person who breeds, possesses, or intends to breed or possess mink for certain purposes to obtain a license from the Department of Public Health. Lists requirements for a license application and license, including weekly and other testing for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A subtype H5N1, and other pathogens. Requires each mink facility to pay to the Department an annual fee of $1,000. Creates the Mink Facility Fund. Describes the responsibilities of the Department. Sets out provisions concerning the euthanasia of mink. Provides that a licensee who violates any provision of the Act or any rules adopted under the Act shall be subject to revocation of license and confiscation of all mink at the mink facility. Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General or by the Department subject to rulemaking by the Department. Grants rulemaking powers to the Department. Provides that the Department shall maintain a publicly available list of potentially harmful viruses for testing. Makes findings. Defines terms. Makes corresponding changes to the State Finance Act.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Mink Facility Disease Prevention Act, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for mink facilities in Illinois due to the potential public health risks associated with mink breeding. Beginning in January 2026, anyone breeding or possessing mink for commercial purposes must obtain an annual license from the Department of Public Health, which involves a detailed application process that includes information about facility operations, animal management, and safety procedures. Licensees must conduct weekly testing of minks and workers for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A H5N1, with mandatory immediate quarantine and reporting if any positive tests occur. The bill emphasizes disease prevention by requiring minks to be separated by at least 6 feet, mandating thorough investigations of any virus outbreaks, and potentially recommending wildlife trapping closures in surrounding areas. Each mink facility must pay an annual $1,000 fee, which will be deposited into a new Mink Facility Fund to support administrative and enforcement activities. The Department of Public Health will conduct annual and unannounced inspections, and facilities found in violation of the act may face license revocation and mink confiscation. The bill's underlying purpose is to protect public health by preventing potential viral mutations and transmission between minks and humans, given minks' physiological similarities to humans and their potential to serve as "mixing vessels" for novel pandemic viruses.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Theresa Mah (on 10/15/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2627&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2627eng.htm |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2627.htm |
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