Bill Text: IL HB5381 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Creates the Illinois Grape and Wine Industry Act. Provides that an annual appropriation equal to $0.50 per gallon of wine reported and paid by wine manufacturers in the State under the excise tax rate set forth by law shall be directed to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance. Sets forth mechanisms for the calculation of the annual appropriation and administration of the Act. Effective immediately.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-04-06 - Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer [HB5381 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HB5381-Introduced.html

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104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2025 and 2026HB5381 Introduced , by Rep. Theresa Mah SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
New Act
Creates the Illinois Grape and Wine Industry Act. Provides that an annual appropriation equal to $0.50 per gallon of wine reported and paid by wine manufacturers in the State under the excise tax rate set forth by law shall be directed to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance. Sets forth mechanisms for the calculation of the annual appropriation and administration of the Act. Effective immediately.
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A BILL FOR
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AN ACT concerning State government.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the
Illinois Grape and Wine Industry Act.
Section 5. Findings and purpose.
(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) The Illinois grape and wine industry is a vital
component of this State's agricultural economy,
contributing significantly to job creation, tourism, and
rural development.
(2) Grapes are the highest value specialty crop in the
United States.
(3) The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance,
established in 1992, has played a pivotal role in
supporting the growth and sustainability of the industry
through research, education, marketing, and operational
initiatives.
(4) The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance
represents stakeholders across this State through its
Board of Directors, which ensures equitable statewide
representation from the 4 distinct regions of Illinois.
(5) To ensure the retention and expansion of the

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Illinois grape and wine industry, additional funding is
necessary to support these critical activities.
(b) The purpose of this Act is to establish a dedicated
funding mechanism to provide financial support for the
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance's efforts in
promoting and sustaining the Illinois grape and wine industry.
Section 10. Funding mechanism.
(a) An annual appropriation equal to $0.50 per gallon of
wine reported and paid by wine manufacturers in this State
under the excise tax rate set forth by law shall be directed to
the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance.
The allocation shall apply exclusively to excise taxes
collected from wine manufacturers in this State as reported on
Form RL-26 or a successor form prescribed by the Department of
Revenue.
(b) All funds appropriated under this Section shall be
used by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance for
the following purposes:
(1) research initiatives aimed at improving grape
cultivation, wine making processes, and sustainability
practices;
(2) educational programs for grape growers,
winemakers, and industry stakeholders;
(3) marketing campaigns to promote Illinois wines
locally, nationally, and internationally; and

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(4) operational expenses necessary for the Illinois
Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance to effectively execute
its mission of supporting industry retention and
expansion.
(c) The first allocation of funds shall be calculated
based on excise taxes reported by wine manufacturers in this
State over the immediately preceding 12-month period before
the effective date of this Act. The Department of Revenue
shall certify the allocation amount no later than 90 days
after the enactment for appropriation to the Illinois Grape
Growers and Vintners Alliance.
(d) For subsequent years, the Department of Revenue shall
calculate on an annual basis the total gallons reported by
wine manufacturers in this State on Form RL-26 or its
successor form for the preceding calendar year. The Department
of Revenue shall certify the corresponding allocation amount
at $0.50 per gallon for appropriation to the Illinois Grape
Growers and Vintners Alliance no later than March 31 each
year.
(e) The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance shall
submit an annual report to the Department of Agriculture
detailing the use of funds appropriated under this Act. The
report shall include:
(1) a summary of research projects conducted;
(2) educational programs delivered;
(3) marketing activities undertaken;

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(4) operational expenditures incurred; and
(5) measurable outcomes achieved in supporting the
grape and wine industry in this State.
Section 15. Governance and representation.
(a) The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance Board
of Directors shall maintain statewide representation through a
balanced structure that ensures equitable participation from
all regions of this State.
(b) The Board shall consist of 12 members who represent
the 4 geographic regions of this State as follows:
(1) 3 representatives of the North region;
(2) 3 representatives of the Central region;
(3) 3 representatives of the South Central region; and
(4) 3 representatives of the South region.
(c) The Board members shall be selected in accordance with
the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance's bylaws to
ensure fair representation of grape growers, winemakers, and
other stakeholders throughout this State.
Section 20. Administration.
(a) The Department of Revenue shall oversee calculations
related to gallons reported by wine manufacturers in this
State under Form RL-26 or its successor form.
(b) The Department of Agriculture shall administer the
disbursement of funds appropriated under this Act to the

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Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance in accordance
with the laws of this State.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.