IL HB5691

Changes the State's obligation to fund county Cooperative Extension programs from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("shall") when providing matching funds not to exceed 50% of needed funds.

Requires the University of Illinois Director of Extension to submit an annual report by October 15 to state leadership detailing total funds needed by counties for Cooperative Extension Service programs.

Mandates State matching funds and general support be included in a separate appropriation request by the Department of Agriculture, funded from the Agricultural Premium Fund or other available sources.

Deposits State-appropriated funds into the State Cooperative Extension Service Trust Fund for transfer to the University of Illinois, with the Department of Agriculture having no control over the cooperative extension service or its programs.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.