Illinois House and Senate approve school food share table legislation

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, which permits school districts to fulfill unused food sharing commitments by implementing share tables that let students leave or take unopened food, has gained legislative approval, the Illinois General Assembly reports.

The House passed the measure with support from 68 Democrats and 29 Republicans, while one Republican voted against it.

In the Senate, 40 Democrats and 19 Republicans backed the bill.

Rohr brought the legislation forward in the Illinois House on Feb. 3, 2026, during the 104th session.

Known as HB4859, the bill was enacted on May 21, 2026, as part of the 104th general assembly proceedings.

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the bill summary states: "Amends the School Code. Allows a school district to comply with provisions concerning school unused food sharing plans by implementing a share table. Provides that the school district may develop and follow a policy on standard operating procedures for share tables. Effective August 1, 2027."

Below is our summary, based on the official bill document. This may include interpretation to enhance clarity regarding its key measures.

The legislation updates the School Code’s stipulations regarding unused food sharing by letting school districts meet the requirements through use of a “share table” in school food service areas. This means students may place whole, unopened food or drinks they do not wish to consume, allowing other students to take those items free of charge. Districts may adopt their own procedures and policies on how to run share tables, referencing potential guidance from both the State Board of Education and U.S. Department of Agriculture. The law will be implemented starting Aug. 1, 2027.

Sponsorship for the measure also included Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (Democrat-38th District), Sen. Laura Ellman (Democrat-21st District), Rep. Laura Faver Dias (Democrat-62nd District), along with three other legislative co-sponsors.

Illinois bill passage involves a multi-step process that starts with introduction by a member in the House or Senate, movement to committee, floor readings, required voting, and ultimately either gubernatorial signature or veto. The General Assembly’s sessions are biennial. Thousands of bills may be filed in a session, with only a limited number advancing to become law.

Addition details on upcoming bills and measures can be found here.

Rohr earned a BA from Northwestern University in 2002 and an additional degree in 2010 from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

The Democratic lawmaker began serving in the Illinois State House in 2021 as representative for the 41st House District, filling the seat held previously by Grant Wehrli.

Certain lawmakers present for the vote did not cast a ballot, listed as "Not Voting." Some were absent altogether, marked either as "Absent" or having an "Excused Absence" due to personal or medical issues.