SB2186 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 10253 BDA 20327 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB2186

Introduced 2/7/2025, by Sen. Rachel Ventura

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Agri-Food Infrastructure Investment Task Force Act. Makes findings and declares a purpose. Creates the Agri-Food Infrastructure Investment Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding the creation and development of locally produced food sources as an alternative use for the land designated for the South Suburban Airport, with certain other requirements. Lists the members of the Task Force, with certain other requirements. Provides for exemptions from certain training, disclosure, filing, and physical meeting requirements. Provides that Task Force members shall serve without compensation. Provides that the University of Illinois Extension shall provide administrative and technical support for the Task Force. Requires submission of a final report no later than December 31, 2026, after which, the Task Force is dissolved. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

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 Agri-Food Infrastructure Investment Task Force Act.

Section 5. Findings; purpose. There is broad-based community support for solving food insecurity problems by strengthening agricultural systems on a variety of fronts, including climate resilience and diversification, infrastructure and logistics, and the protection of working lands. The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with rising food costs exposed the need for locally produced and locally processed foods to complement global supply chains that may be disrupted in emergency events. The residents of Illinois are interested in pursuing policies that attract the resources needed to make locally produced, nutritious food widely available; promote community revitalization; improve soil health; promote job creation and entrepreneurship; and ensure access to clean air and clean water for future generations.

In 1985, the State of Illinois began expending tax funds to plan and develop a proposed South Suburban Airport that has yet to be built. After 40 years of only one consideration, the people of Illinois will benefit from policymakers taking into consideration other options. Twenty years ago, the land was removed from Will County property tax rolls. In November 2024, the Will County Board adopted a resolution, "Supporting the Exploration of Local Food Sources as an Alternative to the South Suburban Airport". Such an exploration is needed to uncover comprehensive agri-food infrastructure investment opportunities that may prove to be more profitable and a better use of the land than a new airport.

Section 10. Task Force creation; duties and responsibilities. The Agri-Food Infrastructure Investment Task Force is created. The Task Force shall study and make recommendations regarding the creation and development of locally produced food sources as an alternative use for the land designated for the South Suburban Airport. The Task Force shall take into consideration: (i) the project's cost, feasibility, and environmental impact; (ii) the short-term and long-term economic impact to the region; (iii) all options for funding; and (iv) any other benefits of such development.

The Task Force shall engage community organizations, interested groups, and members of the public for the purpose of assessing the viability and desirability of the development of locally produced food sources as an alternative to the South Suburban Airport. The Task Force shall consider a broad range of agricultural and environmental uses for the property related to locally-sourced food production, including, but not limited to, regenerative agriculture, clean water projects and sourcing, sustainable meat processing, and other value-added processing infrastructure, soil health improvements, land preservation, and enrichment.

The Task Force shall also explore partnership opportunities with units of local government, non-profits, and businesses for developing locally produced and locally processed foods to address food insecurity and nutrition.

Section 15. Task Force members.

(a) The Task Force shall consist of the following members:

(1) one member, who shall serve as co-chairperson of the Task Force, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(2) one member, who shall serve as co-chairperson of the Task Force, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(3) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(4) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(5) one representative of the Will County Board, appointed by the Will County Board Speaker;

(6) one representative of the Will County Forest Preserve District, nominated by its President and appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(7) the Director of Agriculture or the Director's designee;

(8) the Director of Natural Resources or the Director's designee;

(9) the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or the Director's designee;

(10) one representative from the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, representing an agency or organization different from those named in this subsection, appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(10) one representative of the Will County Farm Bureau, nominated by its President and appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(11) one representative of the University of Illinois Extension, appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(12) one representative of a conservation organization, appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(13) one representative of an environmental organization, appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

(14) up to 2 members, representing local non-profit organizations appointed by the co-chairpersons of the Task Force;

At the discretion of both of the co-chairpersons of the Task Force, additional individuals may participate as nonvoting members of the Task Force.

(b) Members of the Task Force shall be appointed no later than 90 days after the effective date of this Act. If any members are not appointed within that 90-day period, the appointing authority shall be deemed to have waived the right to make that appointment.

(c) Vacancies in the Task Force, other than a vacancy occurring because of a waiver by the appointing authority under subsection (b), shall be filled by the original appointing authority.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the members of the Task Force under this Act are exempt from any training, disclosure, or filing requirements under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, or any other applicable State law or rule imposing such requirements.

(e) Task Force members shall serve without compensation.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Task Force may hold electronic meetings and a member of the Task Force joining electronically shall be deemed present for the purposes of establishing a quorum and voting.

(g) The University of Illinois Extension shall provide administrative and technical support for the Task Force.

Section 20. Report. The Task Force shall prepare and publish a final report of its findings and recommendations. The Task Force shall submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2026. Upon submission of its final report, the Task Force is dissolved.

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