Illinois state legislators are working on several bills that, if passed, would introduce new regulations or restrictions on pesticide use in the state. Most of these bills will not make it out of their respective legislative committees, but some have strong support in the Illinois House and Senate and could become law. Due to the impact these policies will have on pesticide applications within the state, applicators and operators should be aware of the potential changes to better prepare themselves and inform their local representatives of the effects of this legislation. Be sure to let your local legislator or the legislative committee of any potential impacts new pesticide laws could have on your livelihood and business operations.
HB1596 – Pesticide-Notice-Schools
Synopsis as introduction:
Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Requires certified pesticide applicators to give written or email notice 72 hours prior to application of pesticide to schools and parks within a half-mile of the site of application. Provides other notice requirements. Defines terms.
Considerations:
This would affect many pesticide applicators and could be in addition to the Lawncare Act notification requirements and the PARNA notification requirements (depending on the amendment version of the bill).
Concerns have been raised about how notifications will occur and who will be notified at each location. What would the notified be obligated to do with the information? Who is liable for a pesticide exposure? How feasible would it be to provide 72 hours' notice, and what happens if the weather or schedules change?
Update:
The bill had some steam heading into the spring legislative session, but has hit some bumps in the road after three amendments. It started as a simple bill that has become more complex with each revision, likely due to the questions above. It seems like it will take more work to get this bill to the House floor this year, but don’t mistake that for a lack of support. If this bill doesn’t reach the House this summer, expect a version of it to return next spring.
This bill was initially filed in 2025 but failed to meet legislative deadlines. The bill was revived in February 2026 by its respective rules committee.
HB4523 – PFAS Containing Pesticides, and SB3400 – PFAS Containing Pesticides
Synopsis as introduction:
Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that the statements that are to be provided by pesticide registrants under the Act must include either a specific statement that the pesticide to be registered contains no PFAS or, if the pesticide (including its active and inert ingredients) contains any PFAS, certain information regarding the PFAS, including the name of the specific chemical and the quantity of the chemical in the product. Provides that the Director of Agriculture shall not register any pesticide product that contains a chemical that is an intentionally added PFAS and that the use of any pesticide that contains any chemical that is an intentionally added PFAS is prohibited. Further provides, beginning January 1, 2030, that the use of any spray adjuvant that contains intentionally added PFAS is prohibited. Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Defines "PFAS" and "intentionally added PFAS".
Considerations:
Will change state labels and may cause formulations to change in effectiveness and human and environmental safety due to restrictions on adjuvant ingredients.
Update:
The fact that the same bill was introduced in both the Senate and the House indicates broad support. The bill seems to be moving more effectively through the House, where we will more likely see the initial floor vote if it gets to that point.
A similar bill (HB1295) was introduced during the 2025 legislative year.
SB3161 Pesticide Paraquat Ban
Synopsis as introduced:
Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that, except as expressly authorized under specific provisions of the Act, no person shall distribute, sell, offer for sale, or use in the State any herbicide product containing paraquat dichloride or any other chemical form of paraquat. Requires all persons that use, distribute, or sell paraquat in this State to report certain information to the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Department of Agriculture to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer these provisions. Effective immediately.
Consideration:
Paraquat poses major human health concerns for both acute and chronic exposures. It has been banned in over 70 countries, and its long-term federal registration in the U.S. remains unclear. It would stress the already limited burn-down herbicides left for use, but may protect applicators in the meantime.
Update:
This bill has some support with multiple co-sponsors, but this particular bill is nearing a deadline set by its respective rules committee. If we don’t see any movement in the next couple of days, the stall may be permanent.
HB5305 Pesticide Coated/Treated Seeds
Synopsis as introduced:
Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2029, it is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, use, or distribute within this State any corn, soybean, or wheat seed coated or treated with a pesticide containing neonicotinoids, unless a valid waiver is issued by the Department of Agriculture. Lists requirements for the waiver. Directs the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules and annually report to the General Assembly regarding the waivers. Provides for civil penalties for violations (but not other penalties under the Act). Directs the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the University of Illinois, to conduct a study regarding alternatives to the use of pesticides containing specified ingredients to be submitted on or before January 1, 2029.
Considerations:
There are ways to apply seed treatments to the commodities listed, but I expect it to be a somewhat difficult process to get a waiver processed. The banning of neonicotinoid seed treatments as a tool is likely going to put higher stress on Bt and increase the use of less targeted treatments, such as in-furrow and foliar applications, which would likely include neonicotinoid formulations.
The presumed purpose of this bill would be to limit pollinator exposure and groundwater contamination to neonicotinoids. The issue with pollinator safety is that corn and soybeans are primarily wind-pollinated, limiting the contact between pollinators and these crops. Groundwater residues of neonicotinoids may decrease, but surface water contamination from all pesticides could rise as a result.
Update:
This bill has been stuck in rules without much momentum over the last couple of weeks. This does not mean that it can’t move forward but it would take more support than it appears there is now.
SB3200 – Pesticide Neonicotinoids
Synopsis as introduced:
Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, a pesticide containing a neonicotinoid may not be used on an ornamental plant, except in accordance with specified restrictions. Specifies that "restricted use pesticide" includes any pesticide that contains a neonicotinoid unless applied by a licensed applicator or certified technician working in structural pest control. Defines "neonicotinoid", "ornamental plant", and "zoophilous species". Grants rulemaking powers to the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Effective immediately.
Considerations:
While neonicotinoids are known to have sublethal effects on pollinators, the USEPA and peer-reviewed research have not yet indicated that the impacts are on par with other pesticides restricted for environmental concerns. This will have the largest impact on residential products, drastically limiting what homeowners can buy to treat insect pest issues in ornamental settings. Other Impacts could involve additional record-keeping requirements.
Update:
Deadlines for this bill were already postponed in mid-March, and it seems like it's going to come right up against its deadline again. There could have been additional support developed during that time, but over the next couple of days, we should find out what legislators actually think about it and if it will survive its deadline once again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Schepis provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on entomology.