Will this be the year the state legislature approves a cellphone ban in schools?

Illinois is one of only eight states with no statewide restrictions on cellphones in classrooms

Article Summary

• The Illinois House is once again considering a bill that would restrict cellphone use in public and charter schools

• In its most recent version, the bill would require elementary and middle schools to implement a bell-to-bell ban, while high schools could allow students to use their cellphones during breaks and lunch.

• Through this bill, lawmakers aim to increase student engagement and address concerns about youth mental health.

• Illinois is one of eight states that have no restrictions on cellphone use in schools.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

By SAM FREEMAN
Medill Illinois News Bureau
news@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD — After the Latin School of Chicago passed a cellphone ban, students, who typically would be glued to their phones on their way to class, looked up, interacted with their peers and were more immersed in school, officials said. 

The Latin School of Chicago first restricted cellphone use for the 2024-25 school year, and a year later, revised it to a total ban during school hours. Since then, students recognize increased engagement, both during instructional time and breaks. 

“I’m grateful for the phone ban. I’ll take a more-connected community over the minor conveniences of a cellphone any day,” Scarlet Gitelson, the editor-in-chief of the student-run paper The Fulcrum, said in an op-ed. 

As the Illinois legislature once again considers a statewide cellphone ban in schools, it looks to success stories like the Latin School to propose a bill aimed at addressing mental health and enhancing student success.

A push to regulate in Illinois

Illinois is one of only eight states that have no statewide restrictions on the use of cellphones in public schools. 

An amendment to Senate Bill 2427, which passed the Illinois House Education Committee unanimously on March 25, would require all Illinois public and charter schools to adopt policies restricting student use of cellphones, tablets and other devices during class time.

The bill still needs approval from the full House, where it’s not subject to a Friday deadline for final action, because a previous version already passed the Senate 55-0 last year. Because it was amended in the House, however, the Senate will need to approve the amended version before it can head to Gov. JB Pritzker, who’s been pushing for the measure for two years. 

“There’s real harm being done, and it’s interfering with our ability to give children the most productive educational environment possible. It’s time to get cellphones out of the classroom,” Pritzker said in his February State of the State speech. 

The line drew bipartisan applause. 

Under the bill, elementary and middle schools would be required to implement a bell-to-bell ban while high schools could allow their students to use their devices during lunch and breaks. The policy for high schools would vary according to school district.

Read more: Lawmakers advance Pritzker’s cell phone ban, social media regulations 

Last year, the bill didn’t receive a House vote due to concerns about enforcement and exceptions. 

The revised version includes a list of exceptions, including medical necessity, individualized education programs and for English learners accessing materials. It also limits disciplinary actions, such as suspension or expulsion. And it prohibits enforcement through fines, fees or law enforcement action.

If the bill is passed and signed by the governor, policies would need to be implemented by the 2027-28 school year. But school districts that already have cellphone restrictions in place have until 2030-31 to ensure their policies conform with state requirements.  

Prioritizing academic success

Currently, 42 states and Washington, D.C., have laws or policies that either prohibit or limit student cellphone use, or require individual districts to either ban or limit their use. 

“There are a lot of different states that have introduced this bill, and I think it is passed with a broad bipartisan support because they recognize the importance of banning these devices with some exceptions, of course, so that way students are successful,” said Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin. 

These policies, though varied by state, are aimed at improving focus and reducing bullying. 

According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 72% of high school teachers say phone distractions are a major problem, compared to 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers. 

These distractions are proven to negatively impact student success and mental health. A 2023 survey of adolescents showed that 51% reported using social media for more than three hours per day. Social media use by adolescents is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

Social media use has become a major issue among adolescents, with thousands of lawsuits alleging that addictive platform designs harm children’s mental health. In a landmark court ruling in late March, Meta and YouTube were found liable on all counts of using addictive design features that harmed young users and created mental health problems. 

Cellphone use is also linked to cyberbullying. According to KFF, nine in 10 public schools reported instances of cyberbullying in the 2023-24 school year. Cyberbullying can lead to emotional distress, depression and suicidal ideation. It’s also more likely to be experienced by females and LGBT+ adolescents. 

“I think taking as many distractions off the table for students will allow them to focus on their studies as well as their teachers and professors in the classroom,” Castro said. “So they get their undivided attention, and it'll have great student success outcomes.”

How are bell-to-bell bans implemented? 

A cellphone ban would require devices to be placed in “secure and accessible” storage, like backpacks, desk storage, lockers or pouches. Although the bill does not require districts to purchase additional storage options, some teachers unions worry about costs for implementation, or added responsibility to teachers. 

“Schools already have the authority to set cellphone policies, but what they cannot do is fund themselves or the cellphone lockers or pockets that will be required to enforce this unfunded mandate,” the Illinois Federation of Teachers said in a news release. The union represents 105,000 teachers and paraprofessionals throughout Illinois.

Peoria’s District 150, which already has a policy restricting cellphone use, spent $250,000 on Yondr pouches. 

Yondr bags lock automatically when the top is snapped together, and they can only be unlocked when tapped against a magnetic base. They typically cost between $20 and $30 per student. 

To assist with implementing the policy, a number of states with similar legislation offered grants. For example, New York allocated $13.5 million in funding for the implementation of its ban, specifically for lockable pouches. 

Illinois’ bill does not allocate funds for implementation. 

“Only the governor can ultimately meet the state’s funding obligation,” said Cindi Oberle-Dahm, executive vice president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. 

Sam Freeman is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, and is a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

A student uses his phone in school. (Medill Illinois News Bureau photo by Sam Freeman)

Costs of state employee health benefits continue steep rise

Overall cost of health plans expected to rise 9%, to $4.6 billion

By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Article Summary

• State employee health care costs have been rising steadily for several years due to growth in the state’s workforce and general health care inflation.

• Next year’s projected increase will bring the total growth rate per participant since 2018 to 45.7%.

• Employee premiums will also go up next year under terms of collective bargaining agreements.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. 

SPRINGFIELD – Health insurance costs are expected to take a bigger bite out of the state’s budget and out of state employees’ pocketbooks next year.

Officials from the Department of Central Management Services told a legislative panel Tuesday they expect to see an increase of $380 million, or 9%, in total costs to the system in fiscal year 2027. That would bring total expenses paid by all funding sources to about $4.6 billion.

That would be a slightly lower rate of inflation than the state has seen in recent years. Costs increased this fiscal year by an estimated $402.8 million, or 10.5%, over fiscal year 2025. That year was almost 15% higher than fiscal year 2024.

CMS Director Raven DeVaughn said the increases have been due to several factors, including growth in the state’s workforce. Since 2019, she said, the state has added about 10,000 employees. She said the health plan now covers about 470,000 lives, including employees, retirees and qualifying dependents.

But DeVaughn also cited general inflation in the health care industry as a contributing factor.

“Certainly, there's the general idea of inflation that we are all just fighting through as a country,” she said. “We can't quite point to one specific thing that has increased our liabilities.”

According to CMS data, the average cost per participant is expected to grow 8.3% next year, to $12,051. That would represent a 45.7% increase over fiscal year 2018.

As an employer, the state offers its employees a variety of different health benefit plans. They are funded through a combination of state funds, employee premiums, prescription drug rebates and other miscellaneous revenues.

The state’s general revenue fund is the largest single source of funding, accounting for about 62% of the system’s total revenues. That cost is expected to rise 12.8%, to $2.8 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. Contributions from the road fund are expected to decline 10%, to $155.5 million, while funding from university funds is expected to remain even at $45 million.

Member contributions are expected to increase $30 million, or 4.9%, to $637 million. Member contributions make up about 14% of the system’s total revenues.

Premiums, which are largely a function of collective bargaining agreements, are expected to rise $8 per month for employees and $4 per month for all dependents in both fiscal year 2026 and 2027, the last year of the current labor contract.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. 

Officials from the Department of Central Management Services testify before the legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability about expected cost increases next year in the state employee group health insurance system. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

Amid artificial intelligence explosion, lawmakers debate best path to regulate

Illinois lawmakers recognize the harms of AI while hearing testimony on dozens of bills

Article Summary

• While artificial intelligence industry donors spent big in Illinois primary elections, lawmakers continue debating the best way to regulate the industry.

• Previous bills and hearings suggest that legislators are primarily concerned about privacy and consumer protection, although they still respect the need for innovation.

• As lawmakers continue negotiations with many conflicting interests, the path forward, and whether a federal executive order preempts their ability to regulate the technology, is unclear.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

By JENNA SCHWEIKERT 
Capitol News Illinois 
jschweikert@capitolnewsillinois.com 

As the artificial intelligence industry rapidly expands, state legislators appear poised to continue imposing regulations on the technology.

Committees in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly have heard bills that would implement various restrictions and give recommendations on the use of AI in state government and certain industries. The state already has some laws in place, but legislators raised concerns about the harm AI may still be causing consumers.

On April 9 and 10, the Senate held two virtual subject matter hearings on nearly 50 bills about AI and consumer protection, privacy, education and data centers.

Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, pointed to social media as an example of what happens when government does not place guardrails on new technology. 

“If we got social media wrong, and we did, we cannot afford to get AI wrong,” Edly-Allen said. “Will we act on the lessons we have already learned?”

Industry stakeholders recommended lawmakers let the federal government take control of regulating AI, while acknowledging concerns about its impact. The president, however, declared via executive order in December that he is not in favor of broad AI regulations.

AI advocates also recommended Illinois mirror other states’ laws to prevent a complicated system for companies who operate in many locations. 

“Our core concern is creating a patchwork environment, making Illinois a compliance outlier,” said Jarrett Catlin, state AI policy advisor at TechNet, a national technology policy advocacy group. “We need to create clear incentives for responsible behavior without prescribing a one-size-fits-all compliance regime.”

The “patchwork” argument echoes the president’s executive order, which declares that companies must be “free to innovate without cumbersome regulation,” and that state regulation “thwarts this imperative.”

In the hearings, the senators emphasized that they did not want to hinder development and business in the state but are deeply concerned about the lack of guardrails currently in place, particularly around chatbots and minors.

“This isn't about stifling innovation … but you need to have guardrails to protect minors,” said Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris. “This bill is about ensuring that as technology moves faster than the law, we don't leave consumer protections in the dust, especially when it comes to minors.”

Current and proposed statutes

Illinois already has some laws targeting AI use in image manipulation and intellectual property, according to Andrew Cunningham, senior director of government relations for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. And broader legislation can be applied to AI usage, as has been done to AI meeting tools under the Biometric Information Privacy Act.

“In many ways, our state laws are adaptive, and bad actors using AI, or any technology, irresponsibly are not operating without potential legal ramifications,” Cunningham said in a statement to Capitol News Illinois.

Ketan Ramakrishnan, a Yale law professor, testified at the Senate hearings on the use of tort law to hold AI companies accountable. Tort is a branch of civil law that allows individuals to seek compensation for harm done to them by a company or individual.

“A lot of these early chatbot suits that you're seeing are being brought through the common law in various states,” Ramakrishnan said. “These absolutely are not enough, as these systems become more powerful, but they provide an essential basis for other laws that might be passed.”

During the Senate hearings, lawmakers echoed concerns that these laws were not enough, especially when it comes to chatbots. They claimed the terms of service exempt those companies from being held liable for incorrect or harmful information the chatbots may share.

“Large corporations shouldn't be allowed to hide behind a computer algorithm,” Rezin said. “If AI gives advice that causes consumers to lose their life savings or suffer an injury, the company that deployed the AI must be held responsible.”

The Chamber of Commerce is also currently working with the Illinois Department of Human Rights on implementation of a bill passed in 2024 that prohibits employers from using AI for recruitment, hiring and other employment-related decisions in ways that could result in discrimination of a protected class like gender or race.

“Unfortunately, because rules have not been adopted to implement this act, despite a Jan. 1 effective date, compliance and interpretation for businesses on such a new topic can be extraordinarily cumbersome,” Cunningham said, adding that this is a good example of how new technology is difficult to regulate and broad legislation can be difficult to implement. 

Outside spenders, economic interests

As lawmakers consider these regulations, industry donors spent millions supporting “pro-AI” candidates in the midterm primary elections, with mixed results in statewide and national races. And just days before the primary election on March 17, human resource professionals from across Illinois descended upon the Capitol to meet with lawmakers about the use of AI in business and employment.

“Illinois is one of 19 states in the country who has started to try to regulate, to some extent, the use of AI,” said Emily Dickens, chief administrative officer for the Society of Human Resource Management. 

A growing number of businesses have begun implementing AI in daily tasks, from generative AI in marketing campaigns to AI programs that analyze large data sets. 

Cunningham said that while AI is playing an “increasingly important” role for businesses, its adoption is still in the early stages, with many companies navigating how to apply it.

“There is certainly growth in the hard and soft tech innovation sector when it comes to AI, but today many small businesses are relying more and more on AI to compete in today’s economy and expand their presence with limited budgets,” Cunningham said. “AI is also helping mid-sized and larger businesses with product development, cybersecurity, and tough fixes in our supply chain.”

Dickens emphasized that AI can be used to supplement work, but responsible use should recognize the necessity of humans: “There’s a balance between the innovation … and making sure that you are not excluding people from the workforce who are talented and want the dignity of work.”

That’s where HR comes in, she said. 

“People will need a more nuanced and technical skill set” to use AI, Dickens said. “It's the difference between going in with the whole army and going in with Navy SEALs.”

“HR is what's been missing, because HR has to hire, HR has to train,” Dickens said. “HR is right in the middle, and we are the connector to education and employment.”

While any proposed bills are still a long way from becoming law, lawmakers remain deep in negotiations with AI industry stakeholders. 

The question of whether and how Trump might impose his innovation-first agenda on the states also remains. He revoked Biden-era AI policies within days of taking office in January 2025, but The Department of Justice has made no move to sue states for their AI regulations — yet. With many conflicting interests, the path forward is still a long one.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen on the Senate floor. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

America 250 Committee To Meet This Evening

The America 250 Committee in Mount Carmel will meet this evening at 5 p.m. at City Hall as planning continues for a major community celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Mayor Joe Judge shared an update during last week’s “Ask the Mayor” segment on WSJD, saying the committee is working through a number of ideas, including events along Market Street.

Judge says the city has already secured its Fourth of July fireworks, with plans for an extended show this year. Organizers are also working to bring in a larger concert than usual around the holiday.

The committee is aiming to expand the celebration into a full week of activities—potentially starting on a Saturday and running through the following Sunday.

Plans also include coordinating events like Touch-A-Truck with local Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Firefighter groups, along with the traditional Rotary Corn Day to wrap up the festivities.

Tonight’s meeting will continue shaping what is expected to be a packed schedule of events to celebrate America 250 in Mount Carmel.

Council Approves Student's Proposal For Crosswalk Warning Sign

At Monday afternoon’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting, the council approved a new safety improvement near the Grade School sparked by an idea from a local student.

The council gave the green light to install a flashing pedestrian crosswalk sign at the intersection of Oak and Poplar Streets. Mayor Joe Judge says recent traffic studies confirmed the need for additional warning at the busy crossing.

The idea was first brought to the council back in February by Mt. Carmel Grade School fourth grader Jonah Bisby. Jonah spoke during a council meeting, sharing concerns about cars not yielding to students and pedestrians at the intersection he frequently uses while riding his bike to school.

He proposed a rectangular rapid flashing beacon system and even came prepared with research, cost estimates, and a visual example.

Mayor Judge and council members praised Jonah at the time for his initiative, and now say they’re pleased to move forward with the project.

City officials say the new flashing crosswalk sign is expected to improve visibility and safety for students and pedestrians in the area.

Road closure planned for State Road 67 in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 67 in Knox County.

Beginning on or around Monday, April 27, crews will close State Road 67 near Bruceville. This closure will occur over the South Fork of Smalls Creek.

This road closure will allow for a bridge deck overlay project and approach construction. This work is expected to last through the end of May, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is State Road 550 to U.S. 150. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones.

U.S. Attorney’s Office announces results of “Operation Big Muddy”

The operation targeted violent fugitives with felony warrants and netted 21 arrests

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced today the results of a warrant enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners. 

The warrant enforcement operation targeted violent fugitives with felony warrants and identified gang members in the southern counties of the Southern District of Illinois.  The coordinated effort was executed over three days by law enforcement officials with the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  The operation resulted in 21 arrests and seized 4 firearms and 12 grams of narcotics. 

“The U.S. Marshals led this successful operation to remove dangerous fugitives from our local communities,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This operation highlights law enforcement at its best. Thanks to the strong leadership of the U.S. Marshals this coordinated operation ensures that these violent fugitives will be brought to justice, all while strengthening partnerships and public safety throughout the Southern District of Illinois.”

Building on its successful “Operation Safe Christmas”, this operation resulted in the arrests of dangerous fugitives.  One fugitive, arrested in Edwardsville, Illinois, is charged with three counts of aggravated murder and three counts of murder related to a 1992 fire in Napoleon, Ohio.  Another fugitive, arrested in Creal Springs, Illinois, is charged with Crimes Against Persons in Williamson County, Illinois. 

“Operation Big Muddy, though executed over just two working days, showcased the precision and effectiveness of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in the Southern District of Illinois. The operation strategically targeted the most dangerous offenders, including those wanted for homicide, major drug trafficking, weapons violations, and other violent crimes. Its success underscores not only the task force’s commitment to public safety, but also the strength of its partnerships—without the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, these results would not have been possible” said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis.

The U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force consists of participating agencies from the Illinois State Police, Belleville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, Alton Police Department, ATF Chicago, Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois Department of Corrections – Parole, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department.

IECC Releases 2026 Summer Camps and 2026–2027 Community Education Catalog

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is excited to announce the release of its 2026 Summer Camps and 2026–2027 Community Education Catalog, offering engaging learning opportunities for students of all ages across the district.

This summer, IECC will offer a wide variety of hands-on camps designed for elementary through high school students. Led by IECC faculty and community experts, the camps focus on creativity, exploration, and career discovery in a fun and supportive environment.

Camp highlights include:

· STEM and technology camps such as LEGO Battle Bots, 3D Printing, and Broadband: From Cell Towers to Smartphones

· Creative arts experiences including Origami, Drawing, Watercolor, and Canvas Painting

· Career exploration camps like Forensic Science, Culinary Conquest, Cosmetology, and Media Production

· Unique learning opportunities such as Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, and Theater Tech

These camps help students build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and gain early awareness of possible career paths while enjoying hands-on learning experiences.

Community Education Supports Lifelong Learning

Beyond summer programs, IECC’s Community Education offerings continue year-round, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening local communities through accessible and meaningful classes.

Community Education programs include:

· Personal enrichment classes such as art, sewing, woodworking, and fitness

· Workforce and career development programs, including the SkillForge Manufacturing Skills Lab

· Music ensembles, book clubs, and community groups

· Online courses in areas like computer skills, languages, and game development

Whether individuals want to learn a new skill, explore a hobby, advance their careers, or connect with others, IECC’s Community Education programs offer something for everyone.

Registration Information

Registration is available through Student Services at each IECC campus. Full details, including course descriptions and schedules, can be found in the Community Education Catalog at www.iecc.edu/communityed.

Edwards County 4-H participates in 4-H Green Communities Tree Program for fourth year

ALBION, Ill. – Over the last five years, Edwards County 4-H has planted 100 oak trees across Edwards County as part of the 4-H Green Communities Tree Program. The program was established in 2022 as a partnership between Illinois 4-H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Forestry Committee with the goal of increasing Illinois’ oak tree population while emphasizing the importance of tree conservation.

 The program utilizes local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and County 4-H programs to distribute and plant trees statewide each spring. County 4-H programs must apply to participate, and Edwards County 4-H has been fortunate to be selected each year they’ve applied.

 The Village of West Salem was overjoyed to be selected as the 2026 location for the project and determined to plant trees at Four Corners Park. The park is located at the intersection of Church and Albion streets, encompassing all four corners of the adjoining blocks, hence the name Four Corners Park. Village Clerk Cindy Fuerst shared that, according to locals, the park once had several large trees that are no longer there.

 On Monday, April 6, Edwards County 4-H members and leaders, along with representatives from the Edwards County SWCD, gathered to plant the trees. The group planted 25 oak trees, creating an oak tree savanna. Since 2022, oak trees have been planted at the Edwards County K-12 school in Albion, the former school in Bone Gap, and Roy M. Luthe Memorial Park in Albion.

 Edwards County 4-H would like to thank the Edwards County SWCD for assisting with the program and the Village of West Salem, which will continue to care for the trees as they become established. For more information about Edwards County 4-H, contact the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934 or visit extension.illinois.edu/elrww.

For young people looking to take over Illinois farms, the costs can be steep

High input costs, a hefty estate tax and an older generation reluctant to retire are among the barriers young farmers face

By REBECKA PIEDER

Medill Illinois News Bureau

news@capitolnewsillinois.com

Article summary:

• Expensive equipment and high cost of land make it difficult for young farmers to start farming. 

• The Illinois estate tax creates a heavy burden for families trying to pass down farms between generations. A bill in the legislature seeks to raise the tax exemption to $6 million, from $4 million.

• Tariffs and geopolitical disruptions have also increased costs for Illinois farmers in recent years.

• Improved equipment and reluctance to retire means older farmers are holding on longer, leaving fewer opportunities for younger people.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

A farmer works into the evening hours in Macon County, Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Muirhead Farms)

Brock Seymour was 5 the first time he drove a combine. It was pouring rain, and his grandfather had jumped out to fetch the grain cart, leaving him to drive across the field.

“I'll never forget that,” Seymour said. “When he got down out of the combine, he said, ‘Just drive straight, buddy.’”

From that point on, Seymour knew he wanted to be a farmer. Growing up on the family farm in Shipman, Illinois, Seymour took on responsibility early, helping with operations at 13 and by his early 20s, learning the business side of running a farm.

Now 26, he represents the fifth generation on his family’s land. With his grandparents entering their late 70s, those responsibilities are shifting into conversations about succession.

His path is a familiar one for young farmers in Illinois, many of them fifth- or sixth-generation stewards of Midwestern farms. Yet, less than 9% of Illinois farmers are below the age of 35, and the average age of a farmer in Illinois is over 58, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 agriculture census. 

If you ask farmers why that is, the reasons for the stats are varied. For any young farmer, not least those without access to inherited land, there are the high costs of getting started. This includes land, equipment and fertilizer, none of which are cheap

For those looking to continue their family legacy, there is a hefty estate tax associated with taking over the business and the land. But there’s also a sense of some in the older generation not wanting to pass the torch, and because of improved equipment quality, they don’t have to just yet.

While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has programs in place to support young farmers, including low-interest loans; the threshold to entry remains high, said Garrett Williams, 26, chair of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s young leader committee.

“I do think that the rising costs of inputs and the buy-in on assets and ground is probably a relatively high barrier,” Williams said. “For young farmers, especially those with families, it can be a challenge.”

Farming is capital-intensive; there are equipment costs, fertilizer costs, and the price of land and labor. A combine alone can cost more than $1 million. Tariffs and geopolitical disruptions have already increased costs for Illinois farmers in recent years, according to the Illinois Soybean Association. Now, conflict in the Middle East is adding new pressures, with fertilizer prices at risk of climbing toward levels not seen since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which also upended global supply chains.

Read more: Illinois soybean farmers welcome federal aid, but fear long-term trade damage

“People just don't realize how much money it takes to start from scratch,” said Lance Muirhead, a seventh-generation corn and soybean farmer in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. “If you don't have some kind of financial backing, it's extremely expensive to be a farmer.”

Even if you are fortunate enough as a young farmer to inherit farmland from your parents or grandparents, the financial burdens remain through taxation, Muirhead, 29, said. 

‘Land rich and cash poor’

Illinois is one of a dozen states that imposes a so-called "death tax" — a state-level estate tax on inherited assets, separate from federal taxes. While Congress raised the federal estate-tax exemption to $15 million through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, farmers in Illinois still face state-level taxes if they reach the $4 million threshold. That means that once an estate exceeds $4 million, the entire value is subject to taxation.

With land and equipment becoming more valuable, it’s easy to reach that $4 million limit, Williams said.

The Family Farm Preservation Act, which would have raised the estate tax threshold to $6 million, included key priorities for the Illinois Farm Bureau. The measure would allow for the 96% of farms that are family owned to stay intact when passed down between generations, without having to sell off land or assets, according to the farm bureau.

“Farmers, we have a tendency to be land rich and cash poor,” Williams said. “I think that's the general sentiment. Any taxes incurred on inherited assets can be very difficult. It can be cumbersome on the young farmer to come up with that cash to keep those acres and keep that equipment for the operation.”

The prices of both land and equipment have risen for farmers over the past decade, increasing the value of estates. 

Lance Muirhead, 29, harvests corn on his family's farm in Macon County, Illinois. One of a few young farmers in an aging industry, Muirhead has been farming since 2018. (Photo courtesy of Muirhead Farms)

“You know, the price of land has skyrocketed,” Muirhead said. “I see a lot of family farms that could be passed down to the next generation. But once they're inherited, they have to go pay all this tax and sell two-thirds of the farm to be able to keep one-third in the family. And that's just not right.”

The Family Farm Preservation Act (contained in Senate Bill 2921 and House Bill 4600) did not pass the previous legislative session due to fiscal concerns over reducing state revenue while trying to resolve a budget deficit. Now, a new bill, Senate Bill 1688, is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate committee. Sponsored by Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, the bill seeks to raise the tax exemption to $6 million.

Turner echoed fiscal concerns about lost revenue for the state, saying “It's the money. That's the big piece.”

However, she hopes this time there is enough momentum for the bill to pass. It’s been awaiting a committee assignment since February 2025.

“We're working really hard with all of the stakeholders,” Turner said. “Hopefully we get it over the finish line.” 

Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, is among 29 cosponsors on the bill, which has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. 

“You can get to $4 million really fast when a combine costs $1 million,” Bryant said. “So we need to get rid of that and bring it in line with the federal government. We’re pushing for it really hard.”

“I don’t know anyone who is against it,” added Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason.

Estate tax revenues have “increased significantly in recent years,” according to a January Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability report. Between fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2020, receipts averaged more than $300 million annually. And in recent years, they’ve gone north of $600 million. Some growth can be attributed to a sharp rise in asset valuations.

Gov. JB Pritzker said in March that changes to the estate tax have not been a priority, though he added: “I do think it’s something that I could support as long as it includes the kind of tax break that I think is appropriate to preserving small farms and small businesses.”

“I think there are people who look at me and think (an) estate tax cut is not something that Pritzker should be the advocate for,” Pritzker said, acknowledging his billionaire status. “But I understand, very much so, how impactful it is in a negative way on farmers and on small businesspeople.”

The combined impact of high costs and estate taxes can lead young farmers to delay formally buying into the family farm until they have gained enough capital. As a result, these transitions often happen later in life, according to the University of Illinois’ farmdoc daily, a website that offers research-based analysis for farmers, market analysts, policymakers and more.

A reluctance to step aside

Financial barriers are only part of the challenge facing new farmers. While agriculture has long required significant capital, some experts say older farmers are holding onto their operations longer, leaving fewer opportunities for the next generation. 

Kevin Brooks, a farm management commercial agriculture educator with University of Illinois Extension, said transitions within family farms can be difficult to navigate, leading some to delay succession planning altogether. 

“A lot of fathers that are running on farms don’t want to give up that control,” Brooks said. “People don’t like to talk about their impending demise. They don’t want to talk about slowing down and retiring. There’s that work ethic of wanting to stay at it.”

This puts younger farmers in a bind, having to play the waiting game until the older generation is ready to pass the torch, said Seymour, the Shipman farmer. 

“Maybe when I get that age, I'll be the same way. I don't know,” Seymour said. “I can't speak for the older generation, but they've put blood, sweat and tears into the ground. And I think they just have a hard time being able to hang them up and, you know, smoothly pass it on.”

In recent decades, farming equipment has gotten considerably more advanced, making it more comfortable to farm and less demanding physically. This has allowed people to stick with it longer, Brooks said.

Grain pours into a cart at sunset on the Seymour family farm in Shipman, Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Brock Seymour)

“To an extent, the boomer generation hung on for a long time. And I don't blame them. They get a bad rap,” said Muirhead, the Cerro Gordo farmer. “They went out in open-air cab tractors and farmed with four-row planters. Then they got better equipment, air conditioning, air ride suspension, and auto steer. They put in the work, and they get to reap the benefits of that. I don't blame them.”

Last year, the Farmland Transition Commission Act, Senate Bill 2372, was signed into law, creating a new body within the Illinois Department of Agriculture tasked with reviewing the barriers to acquiring farmland for people aged 25 to 40. It was championed by Sen. Sally Turner. As part of the act, she is working with the state agriculture department to create a webpage where younger people can get useful information on entering farming.

“Young farmers see all the roadblocks,” Turner said. “From problems with tariffs, the low prices of corn and beans, and everything on top of it. But there's different avenues that can help you as a farmer, like low-interest loans if you wanted to try and buy a piece of ground. All those things are out there.”

For young farmers in Illinois, the challenges are hard to ignore, including longer term concerns about South American competition impacting soybean farmers in the state. But knowing that previous generations have overcome similar obstacles instills confidence.

"To see anybody struggle, it's not encouraging, but to see them get through it has the opposite effect," Muirhead said. "If you work hard enough or smart enough, you'll get through the bad times."

Brock Seymour has been working full time at his family farm for the past few years. The estate tax concerns him, and lifting the threshold would give him and his family more breathing room, he said. As with any family business, navigating succession planning and generational divides can be challenging, but Seymour is optimistic about the future.

“Now there's hard times. I'm not going to lie,” Seymour said. “As a farmer, you know, you're gambling. But to see how Grandpa has built the foundation gives me confidence that I can do the same.”

Rebecka Pieder is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, and is a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.