GeoLawWatch Still in play 10
Substack

ILBillSB2956Sine die

WEATHER MODIFICATION ACT

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

Illinois SB2956 declares weather modification prohibited statewide but provides no enforcement mechanism, penalties, or regulatory framework—making it a purely symbolic prohibition that couldn't actually stop anyone from cloud seeding.

Remained in assignments

Our summary

Prohibition: The bill establishes a complete ban on all forms of weather modification in Illinois, with cloud seeding specifically identified as the primary target activity.

Definition: "Seeding" is weather modification aimed at altering the amount or type of precipitation falling from clouds.

Enforcement mechanisms: None specified.

Penalties: None specified.

Unusual provisions: The bill includes the phrase "notwithstanding any other provision of law," which would, in theory, override any existing state authorisation for weather modification activities. However, without enforcement mechanisms or penalties, the prohibition exists only as a policy statement.

Official description

Creates the Weather Modification Act. Provides that no form of weather modification is allowed in the State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground notwithstanding any other provision of law. 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

SB2956 was filed on January 27, 2026, the first day of the Illinois Senate's 2026 session, and received its first reading the same day. The bill was immediately referred to the Senate Assignments Committee, which serves as a gatekeeper that determines which substantive committee will hear a bill or whether it advances at all.

Illinois operates on a biennial legislative cycle, with the current 104th General Assembly spanning 2025-2026. Bills introduced in 2026 have until the scheduled May 31, 2026, adjournment to complete the legislative process. The Assignments referral represents a very early procedural stage; the bill has not yet been assigned to a substantive policy committee for consideration.

  1. Referred to Assignments
  2. First Reading
  3. Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson

Bill text

Show consolidated bill text 
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. No form of weather modification is allowed in this State, including the seeding of clouds by plane or ground notwithstanding any other provision of law. 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.