IL SB3471

Creates the Partners for Nutrient Loss Reduction Act and establishes the Illinois Healthy Soils and Watersheds Initiative to reduce nutrient loss, improve soil and watershed health, and support implementation of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS).

Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt guidelines by January 31, 2023 to assist soil and water conservation districts in developing local goals and needs assessments, with districts submitting initial assessments by November 1, 2023.

Mandates biennial reports on the NLRS beginning in 2023 to assess progress toward interim goals of reducing nitrate-nitrogen by 15% and total phosphorus by 25% by 2025, and long-term goals of reducing both by 45%.

Extends the Partners for Conservation Fund through June 30, 2032 with increased annual appropriations ranging from $18.1 million in fiscal year 2022 to $25.7 million in fiscal years 2027-2032.

Adds nine new eligible uses for Partners for Conservation Fund money, including developing NLRS guidelines and assessments, crop insurance premium discounts for soil health practices, climate science integration, capacity grants to conservation districts, and an AmeriCorps program to support conservation efforts.