HB3710 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 27320 CPF 53691 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3710

Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Lakesia Collins

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Protein Innovation Commission Act. Creates the Protein Innovation Commission for the purposes of making an investigation and study relative to alternative proteins and to develop a master plan of recommendations for fostering the appropriate expansion of protein innovation and the alternative protein industry in the State. Provides specifications on what the Commission should examine. Provides for membership, appointment, and meetings of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall study and analyze the potential benefits of alternative proteins and shall address specified items in its report. Provides that the Commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry out those recommendations, not later than December 31, 2023. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning health.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Protein Innovation Commission Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Alternative proteins" means proteins created from plant-based, fermented, cell cultured inputs and processes to create foods that share sensory characteristics consistent with conventional meat and dairy.

"Cultivated meat" refers to meat that is directly produced from animal cells using a cell cultivation process made with bioreactors.

"Fermented proteins" refers to proteins made from traditional fermentation, biomass fermentation, and precision fermentation.

"Plant-based protein" refers to proteins produced directly from plants, composed of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Section 10. Protein Innovation Commission. The Protein Innovation Commission is established for the purposes of making an investigation and study relative to alternative proteins and to develop a master plan of recommendations for fostering the appropriate expansion of protein innovation and the alternative protein industry in the State. The Commission shall study how the State can best support the growing alternative protein industry in the State. The Commission shall examine: (i) the potential economic development benefits and job creation potential of the plant-based, cultivated, and fermented meat industries in the State; (ii) identify the environmental benefits, including the reduced land use, reduced deforestation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, of alternative proteins compared to conventional meat and dairy products in the State; (iii) examine how alternative proteins can strengthen the State's food resiliency; (iv) assess how alternative proteins can improve individual and public health and combat antibiotic resistance; and (v) identify ways the State can foster the growth of the emerging alternative protein industry, including by reviewing past efforts made to support the broader biotech and life science industries.

Section 15. Membership; appointments; meeting.

(a) The Protein Innovation Commission shall consist of the following members:

(1) 3 members of the Senate, 2 of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Senate and one of whom shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(2) 3 members of the House of Representatives, 2 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and one of whom shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(3) the Secretary of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or the Secretary's designee; and

(4) 6 members appointed by the Governor. Of the members appointed by the Governor: 2 members who are engaged in academic or scientific research on alternative protein development at a State college or university; one member who is engaged in the private sector research and development of alternative proteins; one member who is an expert in food security issues; and one member who is the president of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization or the organization's designee.

(b) The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each designate one of the President's and the Speaker's appointments to serve as co-chair of the Commission.

(c) Members shall not receive compensation for the members' services.

(d) All appointments shall be made not later than 30 days after the effective date of this Act.

(e) The co-chairs shall schedule no fewer than 4 meetings of the Commission, including no fewer than one public hearing. The co-chairs shall convene the first meeting of the Commission within 60 days after the effective date of this Act.

Section 20. Commission report.

(a) The Commission shall study and analyze the potential benefits of alternative proteins and shall address in its report:

(1) the job growth potential of the alternative protein industry in the State, as demand for meat continues to grow;

(2) how plant-based, fermented, and cultivated meat can reduce the State's greenhouse gas emissions and yield other environmental benefits;

(3) how the State can support new and emerging companies in this sector and what pressing challenges the industry currently faces;

(4) policy options the State can take to address the alternative protein industry;

(5) how to facilitate the growth of the alternative protein industry; and

(6) any other topic that the Commission may choose to examine in relation to alternative proteins.

(b) The Commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, together with drafts of proposed legislation necessary to carry out those recommendations, not later than December 31, 2023.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.