The Illinois Senate has unanimously passed legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) that aims to protect the property rights of land owners that keep or breed horses.

“Senate Bill 1529 adds an additional provision to the Farm and Nuisance Suit Act to protect various types of land owners and allow them to continue their business or land use,” said Tracy. “It’s a commonsense bill that will make a significant impact in our rural communities.”

The legislation began as an initiative of the Horseman’s Council of Illinois to amend the Farm Nuisance Suit Act. If passed, Senate Bill 1529 will add the text “horse keeping” and “horse breeding” to the listed farm operations that are protected from nuisance lawsuits under the Act, offering more comfort and reassurance for more land owners.

Tracy’s legislation was approved by the Senate on May 4 and will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.