House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) has passed legislation in the House which amends the Illinois Forestry Development Act.
The leader had originally filed HB 5237which would have repealed the 4% timber buying harvest tax. That bill was introduced after several complaints were registered by timber growers noting that Illinois Department of Natural Resources was not using the funds generated by the 4% Timber Tax to fund the cost-sharing program.
After working together with IDNR, they came up with HB1855 to open up the cost sharing grant so the fund could be used appropriately.
The measure was given unanimous approval Friday afternoon and now heads to the Senate for their consideration.
Attached is audio with the leader.