summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Prescribed Burning Act. Requires the Department of Natural Resources, after consulting with the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council and the Department of Insurance, to adopt rules establishing a Prescribed Burn Liability Claims Pilot Program for the purpose of providing, for a period of 6 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, coverage for losses incurred by eligible persons as a result of prescribed burns conducted in accordance with the Act by certified prescribed burn managers. Sets forth programmatic requirements for the pilot program. Creates the Prescribed Burn Liability Claims Fund. Allows the Department to impose and collect specified premiums and fees to implement and administer the Act and to maintain the solvency of the Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be expended by the Department for purposes of the Prescribed Burn Liability Claims Pilot Program and its administration and for no other purpose. Allows the Department to contract with any entity to serve as the third-party administrator of the program and to assist in administering the Fund. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act shall not be construed to limit the liability of a person who is enrolled in the pilot program for damages in excess of the cap established by the Department by rule. Further provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act shall not be construed to impose liability on the State for any payment of any claim beyond the amount of moneys available in the Fund. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Defines terms. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Prescribed Burn Liability Claims Pilot Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to provide coverage for losses resulting from prescribed burns conducted by certified prescribed burn managers. A prescribed burn is the planned use of fire on vegetation under specific conditions to achieve land management goals. The program will operate for six years and will be funded by premiums and fees collected by the DNR, which will also establish rules for the program, including eligibility criteria for claims, a cap on claim reimbursements at $1,000,000 per burn, and procedures for claim submission and dispute resolution. The DNR can contract with a third-party administrator to manage the program and the newly created Prescribed Burn Liability Claims Fund, which will hold all collected moneys and be used solely for the pilot program and its administration, with the state not being liable for claims exceeding the fund's balance.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/10/2026)
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