SB3655 - Confinement of Egg-Laying Hens Act

• Beginning January 1, 2026, farm owners cannot confine egg-laying hens in non-cage-free housing systems or systems with insufficient usable floor space as defined by the 2017 United Egg Producers' Animal Husbandry Guidelines for Cage-Free Housing.

• Beginning January 1, 2026, businesses cannot knowingly sell shell eggs or egg products in Illinois produced by hens confined in violation of these standards.

• Exemptions apply to medical research, veterinary treatment, transportation, state/county fair exhibitions, slaughter, and temporary confinement for animal husbandry (up to 6 hours per day, 24 hours per month); farms producing fewer than 3,000 eggs annually are exempt.

• Farm owners must obtain Department of Agriculture certification that eggs comply with the act; businesses must obtain and retain a copy of the certification from their suppliers and can rely on good faith written certifications as a defense.

• Violations carry a civil penalty of $2,000 per violation per day, enforceable by the State's Attorney or Attorney General through civil action or injunction.