DNR-FLOOD RISK REDUC PIL PROJ

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sonya Harper and 3 co-sponsors

DNR may run up to three demonstration projects using natural flood risk reduction, with monitoring and reports to guide future policy and funding.

Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 22, 2026

Summary / Purpose

HB 3433 directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), subject to appropriation, to design, implement, and evaluate up to three demonstration projects that test natural flood risk reduction practices in state-identified flood‑prone areas. The bill is intended to pilot nature‑based approaches (often called “natural infrastructure”) to reduce flood risk, gather monitoring data, and inform potential changes to state policies and funding to encourage wider use of those practices.

Key provisions

Adds Section 805-575 to the Department of Natural Resources Law (20 ILCS 805).

Authorizes DNR, subject to appropriation, to carry out no more than three demonstration projects to test natural flood‑risk reduction practices in flood‑prone areas as determined by DNR.

Requires demonstration projects to include engineering, pre‑construction and post‑construction monitoring, and project management.

Allows DNR to require participating counties to submit progress reports summarizing results to date.

Requires DNR, after project completion, to submit a report to the General Assembly, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and the Office of Homeland Security summarizing results and recommending how existing State policies or funding could be adapted to create incentives for protecting and restoring natural infrastructure to reduce floods.

Grants DNR rulemaking authority to implement the Section.

Maximum number of projects: 3. Funding: only if appropriated by the General Assembly.

Who is affected

Department of Natural Resources: responsible for project design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and rulemaking.

Participating counties and local project partners: may be required to provide progress reports and to host/assist with demonstration projects.

State agencies receiving the final report (General Assembly, IEMA, Office of Homeland Security): will receive findings and policy recommendations.

Flood‑prone communities and statewide policymakers: potential beneficiaries if pilot findings lead to revised incentives, funding, or broader implementation of natural flood risk reduction measures.

State budget: projects proceed only if funds are appropriated.

Procedural status and timeline

Filed/Introduced in 2025 (filed Feb 26 / actions begin Feb–Mar 2025).

Referred to Natural Resources; reported Do Pass by Agriculture & Conservation Committee (3/18/2025).

Readings and calendar placements in March 2025.

2025-04-11: Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee.

Companion bill: SB 1611.

Considerations

Scope and timing hinge on appropriations and DNR rulemaking.

Pilot scale (≤3 projects) focuses on demonstration and evaluation rather than statewide rollout.

Final report could influence future budget requests, grant programs, or statutory changes to support natural infrastructure for flood mitigation.

Bill