By Alejandra Cancino - Tribune reporter:

http://www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com/business/chibrkbus-homemade-goods-a-step-closer-to-illinois-famers-markets-20110503,0,6260510.story

A good first step! Now, we need to push to be able to sell, not just at farmer's markets.

Those of us in IL need to write our State Senators and Representatives asking them to support a cottage food law here. This is a start but not enough, we need a law similar to Michigan's.

At least it's a start, we seem so far behind everybody else...

Now that the bill has passed both the house and the senate (as of May 27), does anyone know how soon after the Gov signs it (assuming he will), can we act on it? I want to start selling cupcakes and some specialty baked goods at local farmers' markets and am wondering if I'll be able to this summer. I've read the bill but no dates are mentioned. I was told the Gov has between 30-60 days to sign or veto it. Assuming he signs it, is it a law immediately?

Governor was supposed to sign Bill 840 this past Friday, but I'm unsure if he did. Given that it passed both house and senate, I doubt he'll veto. Bigger issues to deal with in this state.

However, there are still requirements that need to be met, e.g., food handler training, operation registered with Dept of Public Health and Dept of Ag, etc.

Here's a summary:
http://sfc.smallfarmcentral.com/dynamic_content/uploadfiles/101/The_Illinois_Local_Food_Entrepreneur__Cottage_Food_Operation_Act_Factsheet1.pdf
[Good list of requirements here]

http://www.ilstewards.org/blog/8509

PS Edited to add that the Senator introducing the bill owns & operates a commercial bakery. It's against his own personal best interests to have such a bill, but he sponsored it anyway.

Here is the text of the initial bill:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=137&GAID=11&GA=97&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=54914&SessionID=84

Here is text on the amendment (which says consumer complaint can result in revoked privileges) Bill 840:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=840&GAID=11&GA=97&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=55671&SessionID=84

HTH

From what I understand, it must be sent to the Govenor within 30 days. (Where did you read that he was supposed to sign it this past week? I must have missed that.)

From the time he receives it, the Govenor has 60 days to sign or veto it. If he does nothing it automatically becomes a law in 60 days.

Wouldn't that lead one to believe that the law would go into effect no later than Sepetember 1st?

I've already signed up for my Food Service Sanitation Course and I'm working on Insurance, etc.

Thanks for the links!