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SB 3971

$DCEO-HYDROPONICS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Seth Lewis

The bill would appropriate 10 million to DCEO to grant funds for converting vacant commercial buildings into hydroponic farms, prioritizing food deserts and vacancies.

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Bill Summary · SB 3971

Summary of SB 3971 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title

DCEO-HYDROPONICS

Purpose and Intent

SB 3971 proposes a targeted appropriation to support the establishment of hydroponic agriculture facilities. The core aim is to repurpose existing vacant commercial buildings into modern hydroponics operations, with an emphasis on improving access in food desert areas and regions with substantial vacant developed commercial space.

Key Provisions

  • Funding: Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
  • Use of Funds: Grants awarded to establish hydroponic agriculture facilities in existing vacant commercial buildings.
  • Priority Criteria:
    • Facilities located in or adjacent to areas designated as food deserts within Illinois.
    • Areas characterized by significant vacancy in developed commercial space.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) would administer and distribute grants.
  • Facilities/Projects: Hydroponic agriculture facilities established within vacant commercial buildings, funded in whole or in part by the appropriated grants.
  • Communities: Potential beneficiaries include neighborhoods designated as food deserts and areas with high levels of vacant commercial space, potentially leading to local job creation and revitalization.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and Assignment: Filed February 6, 2026; assigned to the Appropriations Committee (February 24, 2026).
  • Committee Timeframe: Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline established for May 15, 2026.
  • Effective Date: The act becomes law on July 1, 2026.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Economic Development: The bill aims to stimulate investment and job opportunities by converting vacant buildings into productive agricultural facilities.
  • Food Access: Prioritization for food desert areas suggests a focus on improving local access to fresh produce.
  • Urban Revitalization: Targeting vacant spaces could contribute to neighborhood revitalization and increased commercial activity in underutilized corridors.
  • Implementation Considerations: Details such as grant eligibility criteria, application process, project size, performance metrics, and reporting requirements would be determined by DCEO through subsequent rules or guidelines if the bill advances.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with similar prior Illinois programs or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers or stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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