Harper Bill to Boost Natural Flood Protection Projects Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating a key step forward in strengthening Illinois’ flood preparedness and environmental resilience after her legislation to support natural flood risk reduction projects passed the House.

“Flooding is a serious and growing problem in communities across our state,” Harper said. “If we don’t take meaningful action now, more families will face devastating losses—damaged homes, disrupted lives, and years spent trying to rebuild what they worked so hard to create.”

House Bill 3433 changes the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Law and directs the Department, if funding is available, to design, implement, and evaluate up to three demonstration projects. These projects will focus on using natural methods—such as restoring wetlands and improving floodplains—to reduce flood risk in areas of the state that are especially vulnerable to flooding.

As part of the program, the Department may require counties involved in the projects to submit progress reports with updated information on implementation and results. The Department must also submit a report on the findings to the Illinois General Assembly and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security.

“It is more than important that we invest in smarter, nature-based solutions that protect families, homes, and infrastructure,” Harper said. “This legislation is a first step. By testing natural flood reduction strategies, we can better protect our communities while also supporting long-term environmental health.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.