IL HB4717

Amends the Illinois Prescribed Burning Act to provide liability protection for landowners, agents, third-party land managers, and certified prescribed burn managers who conduct approved prescribed burns.

Shields parties from liability for damage, injury, or loss caused by prescribed burns or resulting smoke unless proven to be grossly negligent, raising the liability threshold from ordinary negligence to gross negligence.

Defines "gross negligence" as willful, wanton, and reckless conduct; adds definitions for "landowner," "agent of the landowner," and "third-party land manager."

Requires persons conducting prescribed burns to obtain landowner consent, have an approved written prescription, maintain on-site certified burn manager presence, notify emergency dispatchers, and attempt to notify adjoining property owners.

Declares compliant prescribed burning to be in the public interest and not a public or private nuisance when following state environmental and fire regulations; effective immediately upon passage.