SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating a major step forward in supporting equitable growth in agriculture after her legislation to create a new grant program for emerging and socially disadvantaged farmers passed the House.

“Across Illinois, we have talented, hardworking farmers who are ready to grow—but too often, they face barriers to land, infrastructure, and markets that make it harder to succeed,” Harper said. “This legislation is about leveling the playing field and making sure every farmer has a fair shot, no matter their background. When we invest in these farmers, we strengthen our entire food system.”

House Bill 4922 creates the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program, which will be administered by the Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to increase agricultural production, improve long-term farm viability, and expand access to new and existing markets for eligible farmers.

“For too long, farmers from historically underserved communities have been left out of opportunities to scale their operations and reach broader markets,” Harper said. “This program is a meaningful step toward changing that. It’s about building pathways to success and making sure Illinois agriculture reflects the diversity and strength of all our communities.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration and would take effect July 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is working to address long-standing barriers faced by previously incarcerated individuals after legislation she co-sponsored to reduce obstacles for people with arrest or conviction records passed the House.  

“Once a person has served their sentence, they should not continue to be punished,” Harper said. “Unfortunately, that is not the reality previously incarcerated people face upon their release from prison because they are often denied opportunities to secure jobs, housing, and financial stability—all things that they need to get back on their feet and move on from their past.” 

In Illinois, nearly 4 million residents—about one in three—have some form of arrest or conviction record. Even after completing their sentences, many encounter significant challenges securing employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

House Bill 5091 establishes a task force composed of experts, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to conduct a comprehensive review of these barriers. The task force will evaluate current policies, identify what is working, and recommend reforms where needed. The legislation does not alter existing criminal laws or sentencing guidelines, but instead focuses on gathering data and developing informed, practical recommendations. A final report is expected by January 2028.

“If we want previously incarcerated people to leave crime in their past and move forward as law abiding citizens, then they’re going to need to be able to access housing, jobs, and other services,” Harper said. “This legislation is the natural expression of that. We can’t say that people should reform themselves while at the same time leaving them without the things that all of us need in order to survive.”

House Bill 5091 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Amid ongoing questions about equity in Illinois’ cannabis industry, state Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) will host a virtual town hall on April 20, 2026, at 4:20 p.m. to  assess progress, address challenges, and discuss the path forward.

The event, titled “The State of Cannabis, Hemp & Equity in Illinois: Progress, Challenges & What Comes Next,” will bring together state regulators, industry leaders, hemp advocates, and social equity license holders. Participants will examine the current landscape of cannabis and hemp in Illinois, including progress and delays in social equity licensing, barriers facing equity operators, hemp regulation, access to capital, and potential legislative changes.

“Illinois made a promise to create the most equitable cannabis program in the country,” Harper said. “This conversation is about accountability—what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to ensure equity remains a priority.”

The town hall will also give community members an opportunity to hear directly from key stakeholders and engage in an open dialogue about the industry’s future.

Speakers include:

• Erin Johnson, Illinois Cannabis Regulatory Oversight Officer
• Danielle Perry, Former Regulator
• Portia Mittons, Cannabis Business Association of Illinois
• Belicia Royster, Social Equity Empowerment Network
• JR Fleming, South and West Side Coalition for Change
• Rachel Berry, Illinois Hemp Growers Association
• Everett Berry, Mia’s Heart Hemp Life; Illinois Hemp Coalition
• Doug Kelly, Cannabis Equity Illinois
• Social equity operators from the district

Event Details:
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 4:20 p.m.

Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3TLLqxTzREKmmuDV5P0GfQ

For more information, contact repsonyaharper@gmail.com or call (773) 925-6580.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Ahead of the 4th Annual Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 6, at the Illinois State Capitol Building, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at strengthening Illinois’ food systems, expanding access to farmland, advancing equity in agriculture and cannabis policy, and investing in communities historically excluded from state-supported agricultural opportunities.

“Food access, land equity, and agricultural opportunity are deeply connected to the wellbeing of every community in Illinois,” Harper said. “This legislative package reflects years of conversation with farmers, advocates, and residents who are calling for a fairer, more sustainable food system. Lobby Day is an opportunity to bring those voices directly into the policy process and move meaningful change forward.”

The legislative package includes key House Bills, House Resolutions, and a Joint Resolution designed to address structural inequities in food access, farmer support, and land development policy while building stronger connections between urban and rural communities across Illinois:

• House Bill 4720 and House Bill 4922 would invest $2.5 million to expand Illinois’ Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Grant programs, helping new farmers, farmers of color, and under-resourced producers access capital, improve infrastructure, and grow their operations so more people can successfully participate in and stay in agriculture.
• House Bill 5300 creates a way to officially identify “Food Desert Zones” in Illinois so we can better target investment where access to fresh, affordable food is limited. It helps prioritize those communities for new grocery stores, mobile markets, and other healthy food options, while encouraging partnerships that bring more fresh food retail into underserved urban and rural areas.
• House Bill 4286 strengthens Illinois’ cannabis equity efforts by improving the Cannabis Equity Commission’s role and coordination, expanding opportunities for social equity applicants, and increasing transparency in licensing and funding, while ensuring communities most impacted by past cannabis enforcement have real access to economic opportunities in the industry.
• House Bill 5235 establishes the Food System Coordination Act, to help Illinois take a more coordinated approach to how we plan and manage our food system by improving collaboration between state agencies, strengthening supply chains from farm to table, reducing duplication in programs and funding, and supporting long-term planning for a more sustainable and equitable food system that can better meet community needs.
• House Resolution 726 designates a statewide Black Farmers & Growers Week to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black farmers and growers in Illinois, while also highlighting their historical and ongoing impact, raising awareness of the barriers,
• House Resolution 667 encourages stronger partnerships between urban and rural communities by supporting direct connections between producers and consumers, expanding regional food hubs and cooperative distribution, and investing in local food economies to build a more connected and resilient statewide food system.
• House Joint Resolution 55 focuses on protecting Illinois farmland and shaping responsible development by preserving productive agricultural land, supporting sustainable growth, and improving long-term land access for new and emerging farmers while balancing community development needs with the state’s agricultural future.

“Whether it’s expanding access to healthy food, protecting farmland, or ensuring equity in opportunity, this work is about building a food system that serves everyone—not just some,” Harper said. “Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day is a reminder that when we bring communities to the table, we can shape policies that reflect their needs and their future.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating a key step forward in improving public health and consumer safety after her legislation to increase transparency about health risks in cosmetology and barbering products passed the House.

“People have a right to know what kinds of products they’re being exposed to when they go to a salon or barbershop,” Harper said. “This helps them make informed decisions. Many clients and workers don’t fully realize the possible health risks linked to some chemical products used in routine beauty and grooming services. This legislation is focused on ensuring that clear, easy-to- understand information is available so people can make safer decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

House Bill 3075 establishes the Illinois Health and Safety in Cosmetology and Barbering Products Disclosure Act. It basically requires salons and barbershops to clearly share information
about possible health risks linked to certain chemical products by posting it in their shops and giving customers a pamphlet to take home. The Illinois Department of Public Health will create the official notice and pamphlet and make them easy for businesses to download and use.

The Department will also make sure businesses are following the rules by doing inspections and monitoring compliance. If a business doesn’t follow the law, it would be considered a petty offense.

“Transparency saves lives and protects workers,” Harper said. “This legislation ensures that both customers and professionals in the industry have the information they need to stay safe and healthy. No one should be left in the dark about potential risks in products they use every day.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has passed legislation out of committee aimed at improving the quality of food served in Illinois schools.

“Schools are more than just places to learn—they play a big role in shaping our kids’ daily lives,” Harper said. “For many students, the meal they get at school might be the only one they eat all day. That meal should not be full of high sodium and fat that can lead to obesity and other health issues.”

House Bill 5507 establishes the Food Reform to Ensure Student Health Act, which is designed to make school meals healthier by removing unhealthy foods. Starting in 2029, schools will begin taking these items off their menus, and by 2032, food companies will no longer be allowed to sell heavily processed or “junk” foods to schools. The law also holds food suppliers more accountable by requiring them to be transparent about what they sell and to report on their progress each year. Additionally, school staff will receive training so they know how to prepare and serve healthier meals, ensuring students have access to better food at school.

“This is a common-sense step to make sure our students have access to better food,” Harper said. “When students eat healthier meals, they are better prepared to focus, learn, and succeed.”

The bill is now headed to the House floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has advanced legislation out of committee designed to strengthen coordination across Illinois’ charitable food network.

“No one, especially people who work hard every day, should have to struggle to put food on the table,” Harper said. “They deserve better. This legislation is a major step toward addressing food insecurity across our state by ensuring the organizations that serve individuals and families facing hunger are better coordinated and working together. In the long run, it will help build a stronger, more equitable food system so families can make the most of every dollar.”

House Bill 5235 would establish the Comprehensive Charitable Food System Coordination Act to strengthen how state agencies collaborate with food banks, pantries, farmers, distributors, and other partners addressing hunger. The legislation ensures that state and federally managed hunger relief funding is distributed in a more coordinated and strategic way by requiring agencies to engage with key stakeholders in the charitable food network. It also encourages the formation of advisory or working groups made up of frontline organizations and prioritizes funding for initiatives that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and equity across the system. Additionally, the bill updates current law to allow the Illinois Department of Human Services to award Hunger Relief Fund grants to both food banks and local food providers, broadening access to vital resources for communities in need.

“This is about reaching people in their communities and making sure local providers have the resources they need to support those around them,” Harper said. “By investing in and strengthening the full network of food assistance, we’re helping people lead healthier lives.” 

The bill now advances to the House for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has advanced legislation out of committee designed to make transportation safer and more accessible for people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities, just like anyone else, deserve reliable transportation so they can live their daily lives safely and independently,” Harper said. “By holding drivers accountable, improving training, and making it easier for caregivers to arrange rides, this policy helps ensure everyone has equal access to transportation.”

House Bill 5576 changes the Regional Transportation Authority Act to require that the Northern Illinois Transit Authority meet certain conditions before using money from its Americans with Disabilities Paratransit Fund. The authority must create a system to track the reliability of its paratransit service and evaluate driver performance.

Drivers who receive poor evaluations must complete regular training, especially on how to assist riders who are visually impaired or deaf, including door-to-door service. The bill also requires
that all booking methods allow caregivers to schedule rides for riders who are visually impaired or deaf, making the service more accessible and easier to use.

“At the end of the day, this is about ensuring that everyone in Illinois has access to dependable transportation,” Harper said. “Everyone deserves access to public resources, and living with a
disability doesn’t change that.”

SPRINGFIELD, ILL – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, announced that her legislation aimed at expanding support for Illinois farmers—particularly emerging and socially disadvantaged producers has successfully advanced out of committee.

“This legislation is about investing in our farmers and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed,” Harper said. “By prioritizing emerging and socially disadvantaged farmers, we are working to create more equitable access to resources and build stronger agricultural communities across Illinois.”

House Bill 4922 establishes a new grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to strengthen farming operations across the state. The program provides targeted funding to help farmers increase production, enhance their operations, and expand access to broader markets. It clearly outlines who is eligible to apply and how the funds can be used, ensuring resources go to the farmers who need them most. By focusing on opportunity and access, the legislation aims to help farmers grow their operations and remain competitive in the market.

The measure also provides clear direction for the State to release $2.5 million in funding that has remained stalled since 2021. This funding was originally approved by the General Assembly and championed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus as part of its landmark Four Pillar Agenda to Address Systemic Racism in State Government. The allocation was intended to support grants for socially disadvantaged farmers, representing a significant commitment at the time to advancing equity and opportunity in Illinois’ agricultural sector.

“I will do everything in my power to make sure these grants become available,” Harper said. “Continued investment in Illinois agriculture is essential to supporting communities and farmers across the state.”

The legislation now advances to the House for further consideration.