Bailey Criticizes Proposed Campfire Permit Bill as Government Overreach (Louisville, IL) – Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for Illinois governor, is criticizing proposed legislation he says represents excessive government regulation, arguing it would place new restrictions on something as simple as gathering around a campfire.
Bailey took aim at House Bill 4459, which would allow counties and municipalities to require permits for campfires and charge fees of up to $5. Under the proposal, local governments would be permitted to establish their own burn regulations and create an online system for residents to determine local requirements.
The bill also includes steep penalties for violations. Individuals who burn without a required local permit could face fines of up to $100,000, while those who burn on designated “no-burn days” without a permit could be fined as much as $500,000.
“While Illinois families are struggling to pay the highest property taxes in the nation, our leaders are focused on making sure government is involved in your next campfire,” Bailey said in a statement. “We have a budget billions in the red and this is what lawmakers are worried about?”
Bailey, who represented parts of southern Illinois in the state Senate, framed the proposal as part of a broader pattern of what he described as government overreach under Democratic leadership in Springfield. He criticized Gov. JB Pritzker and Democratic lawmakers, arguing their priorities are misplaced at a time when residents are facing rising costs of living.
The Republican candidate said he opposes additional regulations and fees on everyday activities and emphasized themes of personal freedom and limited government as central to his campaign. He pointed to his “Blueprint for Illinois” platform, which he says focuses on affordability, reducing corruption, and empowering residents.
“Campers should be free to gather around a campfire with friends and family without having to check with the government first,” Bailey said.
Supporters of burn permit regulations in other states have argued such measures can help prevent wildfires, protect air quality, and give local governments flexibility to respond to weather and environmental conditions. House Bill 4459 has not yet advanced through the Illinois General Assembly, and it remains unclear how much support the proposal has among lawmakers.
The debate over the bill adds to a growing list of issues likely to feature prominently in the 2026 gubernatorial race, including taxes, regulation, public safety, and the role of state and local government in residents’ daily lives.
Bailey Criticizes Proposed Campfire Permit Bill as Government Overreach
