Sangamon Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier’s bill, HB 2196, has been signed into law, changing regulations for small poultry farmers in Illinois. The new law raises the threshold for exemption from certain state regulations from 5,000 to 7,500 birds annually. This adjustment is intended to allow small farmers to expand their operations and sell more poultry at local markets and farm stands.

“Our small-scale farmers oftentimes find themselves knee deep in red tape,” said Rep. Meier. “This law eases the burden on them and will give our communities farm-fresh poultry at our farmers markets and farm stands. I’m sick of seeing small farms and processing facilities shut their doors because they can’t keep up with Illinois regulations.”

The legislation includes requirements for labeling, food safety certification, and notification to customers that the poultry is exempt from continuous USDA or Illinois Department of Agriculture inspection.

Meier collaborated with groups such as the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and health departments during the legislative process. He stated that this measure brings Illinois closer to standards used by neighboring states.

Ed Dubrick of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance commented on Meier’s role: “Representative Meier’s leadership on this bill was instrumental to its success,” Dubrick said. “As a farmer himself, he understood our members’ needs firsthand. His ability to identify and work with additional stakeholders helped us negotiate bill language that has no known opposition. His knowledge of the legislative process was key to its success. None of this would have been possible without Representative Meier’s leadership, knowledge, and desire to improve the viability of farms of all sizes, all across Illinois. We’re thankful for his continued service and leadership on behalf of Illinois farmers.”

Jill Vonder Haar from Main Street Pastures in St. Rose testified in support of the bill alongside her children Lauryn and Evan: “This bill will allow us to increase our pastured poultry numbers and allow more sales avenues,” she said.

HB 2196 was signed into law on August 15, 2025.

Charlie Meier represents the 109th District in southern Illinois after being elected in 2023 as a Republican representative following David Reis’s tenure.

For further information about Rep. Meier or his office’s work, visit CharlieMeier.net or call his district office at 618-651-0405.