HB2829 would create a new Illinois Wine Promotion Fund and direct a portion of the state tax revenue collected on wine manufactured in Illinois into that fund beginning January 1, 2026. Specifically, 25 cents of every dollar of the remaining wine tax revenue from in-state manufactured wine would be deposited into the fund. The fund would be held in the State treasury and administered by the Department of Agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture could use the fund only to award grants to wine manufacturers and grape growers located in designated wine trail areas, and to administer and maintain a new Illinois Winery Advisory Council. The bill defines a wine trail as a geographic area designated by the Department where significant wine manufacturing occurs. It also adds a conforming change to the State Finance Act.
Impact
The bill would amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934 and the State Finance Act by creating a dedicated special fund and redirecting a portion of existing wine tax receipts to that fund. It would not broadly change liquor licensing or tax rates, but it would earmark part of the tax on Illinois-manufactured wine for industry support, shifting those revenues away from the general tax stream and into targeted grants for wineries and grape growers in wine trail regions. It also establishes a new advisory body within the wine industry structure and gives the Department of Agriculture ongoing administrative responsibilities.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears industry-supportive and aimed at promoting Illinois wine production and tourism-related agricultural development. The overall tone is policy-oriented and promotional rather than regulatory or punitive.
Contention
The main policy question raised by the bill is whether a portion of wine tax revenue should be earmarked for a specific industry segment rather than remaining available for general state purposes. Potential points of contention include the use of public tax revenue to benefit wine manufacturers and grape growers, the geographic limitation to businesses located in a designated wine trail, and the structure of the new advisory council, including appointment authority resting with the Director of Agriculture. Because no hearing testimony or votes are available, no specific opponents or supporters can be identified from the record provided.