State Representative Jason R. Bunting applauded the recent signing of legislation which would provide Illinois farmers with additional flexibility in transporting goods and allow larger, modern farm equipment on the state’s highways.

“Illinois farmers feed the world and are the backbone of our state’s number one industry,” Bunting said. “But they have to be able to get their products to markets. This new law will make it easier for farmers to carry more products across our highways. This change was long overdue.”

Senate Bill 3208 passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously this spring, with Bunting as a co-sponsor. It changes the law to allow farm vehicles, known as “implements of husbandry” of up to 44,000 pounds on any two or more axles to operate on Illinois highways. The previous law limited these vehicles to 36,000 pounds.

The bill was supported by agricultural groups, including the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Soybean Growers’ Association. It goes into effect on January 1.

94.1 WGFA