The Illinois Farm Bureau opposes the plan, as members are concerned it would dramatically undermine property rights.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving in the Capitol could expand broadband access to underserved areas across the state.

The proposal would require the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a new broadband grant distribution plan. Grant recipients could then install, maintain and use broadband infrastructure along a highway right-of-way.

This comes as Illinois faces a Dec. 31 deadline to submit final proposals to utilize $1 billion in federal broadband funding.

"The way farming is today, internet is pretty important," said Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). "The way our kids are educated, you're almost behind if you're not getting reliable broadband."

The Illinois Farm Bureau opposes the plan, as members are concerned it would dramatically undermine property rights.

"It allows broadband grant recipients to access private property to install infrastructure simply by notifying the landowner," said Illinois Farm Bureau Legislative Director Chris Davis. "It prohibits a landowner from preventing access and use of their property." 

Davis noted that landowners would be required to file lawsuits seeking compensation if the construction damages their property. He argued Illinois should use the $1 billion in federal funding to help compensate farmers who end up with damaged crops or soil.

Senate Bill 3838 passed out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on a 10-4 vote and now heads to the Senate floor.

However, Joyce said he will continue to negotiate with the Farm Bureau.

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