Harper Announces 2026 Legislative Agenda Focused on Land, Food, and Equity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Sonya Harper, (D-Chicago), Chair of the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, unveiled her 2026 legislative agenda, aimed at expanding land access, promoting food equity, and creating opportunities for beginning and disadvantaged farmers—while making sure cannabis legalization delivers real social equity.

“From farmland to food deserts, Illinois must build a fair and functional food system,” Rep. Harper said. “This agenda supports everyone in the food chain—from landowners and farmers to families accessing healthy groceries—while holding the state accountable to communities historically left out.”

Supporting Farmers Across Illinois
Harper’s agricultural package opens doors for beginning, emerging, and socially disadvantaged
farmers:

• HB4590 – Farm Down Payment Assistance
• HB4922 – Emerging Farmer Grants
• HB4720 – Agriculture Disadvantaged Farmers Funding
• HB5504 – Agriculture Beginning Farmer Funding

“These bills reduce barriers to land ownership, increase access to capital, and create long-term economic opportunities in both rural and urban communities,” Harper said.

Protecting Land and Livelihoods
To combat flooding and promote conservation, Harper is advancing:

• HB3433 – Flood Risk Reduction Pilot
• HB5512 – Agricultural Fall Covers & Spring Savings

“These initiatives strengthen soil health, reduce nutrient runoff, and help farmers weather extreme weather,” she explained.

Modernizing Food Access

Harper’s plan also tackles food insecurity in cities and rural areas with:

• HB4721 – Grocery Online Markets
• HB5300 – DCEO Food Desert Zones
• HB5235 – Food Systems Coordination Act

“No family should have to travel miles for groceries, and no farmer should struggle to access markets,” Harper said. “This is about building a connected, resilient food system.”

Advancing Cannabis Equity
To ensure social equity in cannabis, Harper supports:

• HB3074 – Cannabis Delivery Licenses
• HB4286 – Cannabis Equity Commission
• HB4641 – Cannabis Reform

“Five years after legalization, Illinois must finish the work,” Harper said. “Equity applicants and impacted communities deserve full implementation and accountability. Legalization without equity is incomplete.”