Legislation Signed Granting Harvest Emergency Authority

BY KAY SHIPMAN

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed into law a bill providing authority to address challenges during a harvest emergency.

HB 2580, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg; and Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Moline, grants the governor special authority during a declared harvest emergency. An emergency harvest can be declared only between Sept. 31 and Dec. 31.

“This bill is a tool to allow Illinois farmers the ability to haul agricultural commodities more efficiently during a declared harvest emergency,” Phelps said.

“In the 36th Senate District, and throughout Illinois, agriculture is a vital industry and the backbone of our economy. HB 2580 is a common-sense measure that ensures farmers have the ability to harvest crops efficiently when the conditions are right,” Anderson added.      

Phelps explained the new law allows a 10 percent gross vehicle weight and 10 percent axle weight increase to be applied to a vehicle’s registered weight. It also allows 10 percent overages on both axle and gross weight allowed under the bridge formula, he noted.

“Any vehicle hauling agricultural commodities must get a free overweight permit before hauling the increased limits,” Phelps said. “Harvest time is already a stressful and unpredictable time for farmers. This tool can help alleviate the impacts that Mother Nature sometimes throws at us.”

Anderson summarized: “Any time we can take common-sense action and create laws like this that support our farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole, it’s a win for all of the people of Illinois. I’m glad we were able to get this bill passed this spring, and happy it has been signed into law, providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed.”