IL HB1607

Establishes the Task Force on Eliminating Food Deserts within the Department of Public Health to review effectiveness of current State efforts and advise the General Assembly on policy, funding, and best practices

Director of Public Health or designee serves as chairperson, with members from Human Services, Aging, Agriculture, and Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ex officio)

Includes 4 legislative members (appointed by Senate President, House Speaker, and minority leaders), 3 county government representatives from counties of varying population sizes, and a University of Illinois Extension representative

Governor appoints 16 members including 8 food desert residents, 4 nonprofit representatives, an agriculture representative, a food retailer, a general retailer, and a labor organization representative

Task Force must submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2028, detailing food deserts in Illinois and providing recommendations, after which the Task Force dissolves