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HB 5734

$SIU-CORN-TO-ETHANOL RESEARCH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Chung and 5 co-sponsors

Illinois would appropriate 15 million to SIU Edwardsville to expand the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, boosting biomanufacturing research and training.

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Bill Summary · HB 5734

Overview

HB5734 of the 104th Illinois General Assembly is an appropriations bill that would allocate $15 million from the General Revenue Fund to Southern Illinois University (SIU) Board of Trustees. The funds are designated for expanding the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIU Edwardsville, with the aims of widening research capabilities and increasing biomanufacturing workforce training. The act would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide state support to enhance the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NERC) at SIU Edwardsville.
  • Expand research capabilities related to corn-to-ethanol and biomanufacturing.
  • Increase training opportunities to develop the biomanufacturing workforce.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation: $15,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the SIU Board of Trustees.
  • Authorized Use: Expansion of the NERC's facilities and capabilities to advance research, and to expand biomanufacturing workforce training programs.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Who or What is Affected

  • Primary recipient: Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees (SIU Edwardsville campus).
  • Beneficiaries include researchers at the NERC, SIU faculty and researchers involved in bio-based manufacturing, and students or participants enrolled in expanded workforce training programs in biomanufacturing.
  • Indirect effects may include local job creation, enhanced regional biotech research capacity, and potential collaborations with industry partners in the bioenergy and bioproduct sectors.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Allocation action: Unspecified mechanism beyond general appropriation; assumes appropriation process through the General Assembly and signing into law.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026, meaning programs and expenditures could begin in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budgeting cycle, subject to internal university demarcations and any implementing rules.
  • The bill is sponsored by multiple legislators, indicating bipartisan or cross-sponsor support typical for targeted university appropriations.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Strengthens Illinois’ biomanufacturing research footprint by expanding NERC capabilities, potentially accelerating innovation in ethanol production, biofuels, and related bioproducts.
  • Could enhance workforce development in biomanufacturing through expanded training programs, alignment with industry needs, and possible partnerships with regional employers.
  • Fiscal impact is a one-time $15 million appropriation from General Revenue; ongoing operating costs or programmatic funding beyond this appropriation would be determined by SIU and subsequent budget processes.
  • Specific project details (e.g., project scope, construction timelines, or workforce training curriculum) are not included in the text, leaving implementation specifics to SIU and state budget administration.

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

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