GeoLawWatch Open Legislation 11
Substack

ILBillSB1426Died for lack of action

WEATHER MODIFICATION-SEEDING

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed one chamber
  3. Passed both chambers
  4. Passed

Illinois opts for the most straightforward possible approach to weather modification regulation: a complete prohibition with no accompanying enforcement provisions, penalties, or an administrative framework.

Our summary

Illinois SB1426 creates the Weather Modification Act, which bans all types of weather modification in the state. The bill states that "any form of weather modification shall not be allowed in this State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground." It defines "seeding" as trying to change how much or what kind of precipitation falls from clouds.

SB1426 does not include any enforcement measures, penalties, reporting requirements, or steps to implement the law. It does not establish criminal or civil penalties, a regulatory system, or mechanisms to ensure people follow the law. No state agency is named to oversee or enforce the ban, and there are no procedures for finding or handling violations.

Because it lacks an enforcement mechanism, this is one of the simplest geoengineering prohibition bills so far. Other states usually include criminal penalties, fines, citizen reporting systems, and enforcement agencies. In contrast, Illinois SB1426 only states the ban without any of these features.

The act would take effect as soon as it becomes law, rather than waiting until a future date.

Official description

Creates the Weather Modification Act. Provides that any form of weather modification shall not be allowed in the State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground. Defines "seeding" as a type of weather modification that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds. Effective immediately.

Legislative history

  1. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Andrew S. Chesney
  2. Referred to Assignments
  3. First Reading
  4. Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson

Additional documents

Bill text 
104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB1426
Introduced 1/31/2025, by Sen. Neil Anderson

New Act

Creates the Weather Modification Act. Provides that any form of weather modification shall not be allowed in the State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground. Defines "seeding" as a type of weather modification that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds. Effective immediately.

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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 Weather Modification Act.

Section 5. Prohibition on weather modification. Any form of weather modification shall not be allowed in this State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground. As used in this Section, "seeding" means a type of weather modification that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.