WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3058

GROWING GROWERS FUND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sonya Harper

Creates the Growing Growers Fund to grant money to socially disadvantaged farmers in food deserts; initial $2,000,000 capitalization, rules to be set by the Department of Agriculture.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3058

HB 3058 — Growing Growers Fund (Illinois)

Overview

HB 3058 would establish a new special fund in the State Treasury called the Growing Growers Fund. The fund is intended to support grants by the Department of Agriculture to socially disadvantaged farmers operating in food deserts. The bill authorizes the Department to adopt rules to implement the grant program and directs an initial transfer of funds from the General Revenue Fund to seed the new fund.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the Growing Growers Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury (30 ILCS 105/6z-144 new).
  • Authorizes moneys in the Fund, subject to appropriation, to be used by the Department of Agriculture to make grants to socially disadvantaged farmers in food deserts.
  • Allows the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement the grant program.
  • Requires an initial transfer of $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Growing Growers Fund, to be completed by July 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter ( Comptroller order; Treasurer transfer).

Who/What Is Affected

  • State finances: creation of a new special fund and a mandate for initial capitalization.
  • Department of Agriculture: responsible for administering the grant program and issuing rules.
  • Socially disadvantaged farmers in food deserts: potential recipients of grants under the program.

Funding and Administrative Details

  • Fund created under the State Finance Act (new 30 ILCS 105/6z-144).
  • Initial capitalization: $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund.
  • Administration: Department of Agriculture; rules to be adopted to implement the program.
  • Ongoing availability of funds is subject to future appropriations.

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025 (also listed as February 19, 2025 for filing context).
  • First reading and committee referrals occurred in February/March 2025.
  • As of the latest status, Rule 19(a) action was taken on March 21, 2025, with the bill re-referred to the Rules Committee.
  • Senator/Representative actions indicate ongoing consideration within the legislative process.

Potential Impact and Notes

  • The bill’s impact hinges on future appropriations and the rulemaking process. If enacted, the program could provide targeted grants to help increase access to capital for disadvantaged farmers in food deserts, potentially enhancing economic opportunities and food-system equity in underserved areas. Details such as eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and grant purposes would be set forth in Department of Agriculture rules adopted to implement the program.

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

Sign in to ask a question.