summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Sustainable Agriculture Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources shall conduct a joint study to evaluate the corrective actions that may be adopted within the agricultural sector to mitigate dust storm occurrences and the severity of dust storms. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources may consult with and seek assistance from similar state agencies in other states and federal agencies, to the extent that such coordination aids in furthering the purposes of this study. Requires the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security to evaluate and publish findings on the short-term and long-term threats of dust storms and the protocol that should be developed to protect the public from current and future threats posed by dust storms. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources shall publish the joint study on an agreed upon publicly available website and shall provide suitable copies to the Governor and the General Assembly by no later than December 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill mandates a joint study by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources to investigate dust storms, which have recently caused significant accidents and fatalities in Illinois, impacting commerce and public safety. The study will evaluate potential solutions within the agricultural sector, such as promoting vegetative windbreaks, cover crops, and permaculture practices, to reduce the occurrence and severity of these storms, considering factors like climate change and drought. Furthermore, these departments will collaborate with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to assess both immediate and future threats posed by dust storms and to develop protocols for public protection. They are also authorized to seek assistance from other state and federal agencies and will publish their findings, including potential variations in risk across the state, on a public website and submit them to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 24, 2026 (on 03/13/2026)
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