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HB 3085

Relating to behavioral health treatment.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Broadman and 1 co-sponsor

Updates the Grocery Initiative Act to define food deserts, set independent/local ownership thresholds, and expand grants to small, locally owned groceries in underserved areas.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3085

HB 3085 — Summary (2025)

Relates to amendments to the Grocery Initiative Act (20 ILCS 750/5)

Note: the bill filehead lists “Relating to behavioral health treatment,” but the text of HB 3085 amends the Grocery Initiative Act (definitions and program eligibility). This summary describes the grocery-related content in the bill text.

Purpose / Intent

HB 3085 updates and clarifies definitions used in the Grocery Initiative Act to identify qualifying grocery stores, define “food deserts,” and set objective thresholds for “independently owned” and “local ownership.” The changes are intended to guide program administration by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and to target grants/assistance toward small, locally owned grocery retailers serving underserved areas.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 5 (definitions) of the Grocery Initiative Act (20 ILCS 750/5).
  • Defines “food desert” using two poverty standards and two population-density/access standards:
    • Poverty: census tract has poverty rate ≥ 20%; or (outside an MSA) median family income ≤ 80% of statewide median; or (within an MSA) median family income ≤ 80% of the greater of statewide median or metro area median.
    • Access: rural tract — ≥33% of residents or ≥500 people live >10 miles from nearest grocery; urban tract — ≥33% or ≥500 people live >0.5 miles from nearest grocery.
    • Allows DCEO discretion to designate additional areas pursuant to rulemaking and criteria (including poverty metrics and access to existing grocery stores).
  • Defines “grocery store” (retail establishment) as one that:
    • Has or will have a primary business of selling produce;
    • Derives no more than 30% of annual revenue from tobacco and alcohol;
    • Is classified under NAICS code 445110 (supermarkets and other grocery retailers);
    • Accepts (or will accept) SNAP and WIC benefits; and
    • Retails a substantial variety of perishable foods including dairy, produce, meats, poultry, and fish.
  • Establishes objective thresholds for “independently owned” applicants:
    • Municipalities <1,000,000 population: owns ≤4 grocery stores in Illinois and ≤500 employees;
    • Municipalities ≥1,000,000 population: owns ≤10 grocery stores and ≤1,500 employees.
  • Defines “local ownership” as primary ownership located in Illinois.
  • Clarifies/expands definitions for “local governmental unit,” “not-for-profit corporation,” and the terms “rural tract” and “urban tract” (urban = census-tract centroid in a U.S. Census-defined urban area).

Who is affected

  • Small, independently and locally owned grocery retailers (eligibility for Grocery Initiative assistance).
  • Larger chain retailers may be excluded if they exceed the ownership/employee thresholds.
  • DCEO (program administration and rulemaking authority).
  • Residents in designated food deserts (potential beneficiaries of new or expanded grocery access).
  • Local governmental units, not-for-profits, and cooperatives involved in grocery access projects.

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced by Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz (filed Feb 6, 2025 / various entries show Feb 20, 2025).
  • Referred to multiple committees (Rules; Revenue & Finance; Licensing & Administrative Procedures; Tax Policy subcommittee; others).
  • Companion bill: SB 2633.
  • Status (as provided): In committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025).

Potential impact

  • Provides clearer, measurable criteria for program eligibility and geographic targeting.
  • Likely increases ability of local/regional decision-makers and applicants to determine eligibility.
  • May concentrate state support on small/local operators and communities designated as food deserts, promoting access to fresh and perishable foods for underserved populations.

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

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