Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier has successfully steered his poultry-related bill, HB 2196, through the Illinois House. The bill aims to reduce several regulatory hurdles for small poultry farmers in the state. The legislation is designed to extend the current regulatory exemption limit from 5,000 to 7,500 poultry annually, which will support small-scale farmers in enhancing their operations.

“‘Our small-scale farmers oftentimes find themselves knee deep in red tape,” Meier stated. “This bill eases the burden on them and will give our communities farm-fresh poultry at our farmers markets and farm stands. I’m sick of seeing small farms and processing facilities shut their doors because they can’t keep up with Illinois regulations.”

The bill includes necessary safety measures, such as labeling requirements, food safety certifications, and a notice to customers that their poultry is not subject to continuous USDA or IDOA inspection.

The bill's passage witnessed cooperation from various groups, including the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Ed Dubrick of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance praised Meier for his pivotal role in the bill’s progress. “Representative Meier’s leadership on this bill was instrumental to its success,” he said. “As a farmer himself, he understood our members’ needs firsthand. His ability to identify and work with additional stakeholders helped us negotiate bill language that has no known opposition. This bill not only passed out of the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee unanimously, but also passed on the floor of the House with a vote of 116-0.”

Jill Vonder Haar, from the Vonder Haar family farm in St. Rose, testified in support of the bill, stating, “This bill will allow us to increase our pastured poultry numbers and allow more sales avenues.”

HB 2196, which seeks to harmonize Illinois’ regulations with those of neighboring states, now awaits further deliberation in the Senate.

Representative Charlie Meier serves the 109th District, covering parts of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, and Washington counties. For further information, visit CharlieMeier.net or contact his district office at 618-651-0405.