STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Illinois Wetland Regulations Fail to Advance

May 29, 2024 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Illinois Wetland Regulations Fail to Advance

Legislation to impose sweeping new regulations on privately owned land in the name of wetland protection failed to advance out of the Illinois Senate this spring. Modeled off the far-reaching federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations struck down last year by the Supreme Court, SB 771 would have required home builders, contractors, farmers, and other landowners to go through a potentially lengthy and costly permitting process to develop privately held property if the development resulted in the discharge of dredged or fill material into a vaguely defined “wetland”—unless that land qualified for a special exemption. Failure to obtain the required permit could have resulted in penalties of up to $10,000 per day of violation. The legislation would have permitted the Department of Natural Resources to set permitting fees and granted it permission to “enter at all reasonable times upon any private or public property for the purpose of inspecting and investigating to ascertain compliance and possible violations of this Act, implementing rules, or permit terms or conditions.” NFIB joined a coalition of business and agricultural groups to successfully oppose these strict regulations on private land usage.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Illinois

Check it out!

Until 05/11/2024

Lorem ipsum dolor site amet

Learn More

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

March 26, 2026

Passage of Tax Simplification Bill a Big Victory for KY Small Businesses

The measure had strong bipartisan support.

Female cash register attendant helping a family of three with a groceries purchase.

March 26, 2026

NFIB Urges LA House Committee to Support Sales Tax Amendment

The proposed state constitutional amendment would make things easier for small businesses.

March 24, 2026

Illinois Small Businesses Oppose Minimum Wage Increase

Small businesses warn of closures & layoffs if minimum wage hike passes.

March 23, 2026

Illinois House Committee Advances Bill to Give Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers

The Illinois House Labor Committee voted to advance a bill that would give unemployment benefits to striking workers. The measure, HB 2565 (Vella), would pe…

Illinois Wetland Regulations Fail to Advance

Check it out!

Related Articles