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<xml>
<title>Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HJR 55</title>
<shortdesc>FARMLAND-DEVELOPMENT</shortdesc>
<sponsor>
<sponsorhead1>House Sponsors</sponsorhead1><sponsors>Rep. Sonya M. Harper</sponsors>
</sponsor>
<lastaction>
<statusdate>2/19/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Referred to Rules Committee</action>
</lastaction>
<synopsis>
<synopsistitle></synopsistitle>
<SynopsisText>     States that it is of vital importance to protect Illinois farmland from irreversible conversion and fragmentation due to solar, industrial, and other large-scale developments. Affirms that farmland protection is consistent with and complementary to the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and should be considered in clean-energy planning and implementation. Urges State agencies, local governments, and developers to prioritize renewable-energy and infrastructure projects on non-agricultural lands whenever practicable and to minimize impacts on prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. Supports renewable-energy siting practices that protect soil health, drainage infrastructure, and long-term agricultural productivity, including appropriate decommissioning and land-restoration standards. Encourages transparent decision-making and meaningful community engagement to ensure that agricultural landowners and rural communities are protected from unintended long-term harm.</SynopsisText></synopsis>
<actions>
<statusdate>2/17/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Sonya M. Harper</action>
<statusdate>2/19/2026</statusdate><chamber>House</chamber><action>Referred to Rules Committee</action>
</actions>
</xml>
