Springfield – State Senator Dan Rutherford's (R-Pontiac) legislation to protect small communities’, senior citizen groups’, and church organizations' potlucks from unnecessary regulation gained unanimous approval in the Illinois Senate.
"Potluck dinners are a community tradition and one that should not fall under the broad scope of regulators," said Rutherford, who introduced the bill after a number of community potlucks were closed down by local health departments.
Senate Bill 2944 amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. Specifically, the bill defines a potluck as an event at which people are gathered to share food; people are not compensated for bringing food to the event; there is no charge for food and beverages at the event; and the event is not conducted for commercial purposes.
Under the bill, state and local health departments could not regulate such potluck dinners.
“Potlucks dinners are a community tradition throughout Illinois and one that should not fall under the broad scope of regulators,” he said. "Today it's the church potlucks and community senior gatherings that are being shut down. Someday it might be the neighborhood Super Bowl party because friends are bringing in the hot wings."
Senate Bill 2944 now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
