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HB 3545

Relating to acquisitions of real property by foreclosure for delinquent taxes; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Darcey Edwards and 7 co-sponsors

HB 3545 establishes a 5-year IDOT pilot to reimburse farmers who leave a row of corn as a snow fence, reducing road snow drift and improving winter safety (funding unspecified).

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3545

Summary — HB 3545 (2025)

Relating to acquisitions of real property by foreclosure for delinquent taxes; prescribing an effective date.

Note: Bill text as introduced adds a new section to the Department of Transportation Law (20 ILCS 2705/2705-627).

Purpose / Intent

HB 3545 would create a 5‑year pilot program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to reimburse farmers or landowners who intentionally leave a row of standing corn to serve as a snow fence. The program aims to reduce snow drifting on roadways by supporting on‑farm practices that provide windbreaks along road rights‑of‑way during winter months.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Section 2705‑627 to the Department of Transportation Law (20 ILCS 2705/2705‑627 new).
  • Establishes a 5‑year pilot program under IDOT to reimburse farmers/landowners for leaving a row of corn as a snow fence.
  • IDOT must promulgate rules and procedures to implement the pilot, including limiting the number of farmers eligible to participate.
  • Payment methodology:
    • Reimbursement is calculated using an IDOT “assumed yield” for the left row of corn (the bill does not define how assumed yield is determined).
    • The price per bushel used for reimbursement equals the statewide average cash price on August 1 each year plus $2.00 per bushel.
  • Agreements are seasonal (Fall to Spring) and may be renewed annually; program participation is limited to the pilot’s 5‑year duration.

Who would be affected

  • Farmers and agricultural landowners who border roadways and choose to participate.
  • IDOT, which would administer the pilot, develop rules, select participants, and make payments.
  • Road users and communities potentially affected indirectly through reduced snow drifting and improved winter road safety.
  • State budget/treasury — the program requires appropriations or use of IDOT funds to cover reimbursements and administrative costs.

Fiscal and administrative considerations

  • The bill sets a reimbursement formula but does not specify total funding, appropriation source, or caps on payments per participant.
  • Administrative workload for IDOT: rulemaking, participant selection, contract/agreement management, yield assumptions, and annual price determination.
  • Potential cost variability year‑to‑year depending on the statewide average cash price on August 1 and the number/acreage of participants.

Procedural status (selected actions)

  • Introduced by Rep. Bradley Fritts (filed Feb 7 / first read Feb 18 or Feb 28, 2025 per record).
  • Referred to Rules, Transportation, and Housing/Homelessness committees at various stages.
  • Public hearings: Mar 17, 2025 and May 19, 2025.
  • As of 2025‑06‑28: In committee upon adjournment.

Open or unspecified items

  • The bill does not define “assumed yield” or provide formulas/rules for determining it.
  • No appropriation amount, payment cap per farmer, or statewide enrollment cap is specified in the introduced text beyond a general limit to participant numbers.
  • Effective date language is referenced in the bill title but no specific effective date appears in the introduced section.

This summary reflects the introduced version of HB 3545 and the legislative activity through June 28, 2025.

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

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