1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose House Bill 4459, which would establish a permit system for open burning in unincorporated areas and authorize municipalities to charge up to a $5 fee. While proponents claim this legislation only affects certain types of burning, the bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy and imposes disproportionate penalties that will harm Illinois residents. The most troubling aspect of HB 4459 is its extreme penalty structure. The bill authorizes fines of up to $100,000 for conducting an open burn without a local permit and up to $500,000 for burning on a designated no-burn day without a permit. These penalties are grossly disproportionate to the alleged offense and would create a punitive enforcement environment that could financially devastate families for minor violations. The permit requirement itself adds an unnecessary layer of government regulation to activities that residents in unincorporated areas have conducted safely for generations. While the bill's supporters claim campfires and bonfires are exempt, the language has already caused confusion, as evidenced by the correction issued after initial reporting incorrectly stated that permit fees would apply to campfires and fire pits. This confusion will persist among residents trying to comply with the law. The optional $5 fee, while modest, sets a precedent for monetizing routine activities on private property. Combined with the draconian penalties, this legislation represents government overreach that will burden residents without demonstrable public benefit. I respectfully ask that you oppose House Bill 4459 when it comes before you for consideration.