Grundy Reporter

Jason Weber, a candidate for Illinois State House District 106, voiced his opposition to House Bill 2900, stating, "Today I spoke in opposition to House Bill 2900, legislation which would ban a common practice for controlling populations of coyotes and other predators which endanger livestock, cause damage and spread disease." Incumbent Jason Bunting also expressed his disapproval of the bill's passage. He said, "Unfortunately, the bill passed anyway, and is now going to the Senate for consideration."

"Today I spoke in opposition to House Bill 2900, legislation which would ban a common practice for controlling populations of coyotes and other predators which endanger livestock, cause damage and spread disease," said Bunting, State Representative for 106th District (R), according to Facebook.

In a Facebook post shared by Bunting, he posted a video of himself speaking against House Bill 2900. He stated, "Ladies and gentlemen of the House, advocates of this bill say what this does is inhumane. I will tell you what is inhumane: when your 14-year-old daughter calls you on the phone and tells you to come home and help tend to a calf that has been attacked by a pack of coyotes is inhumane. Rural Illinois farmers and ranchers across this state do the best they can to protect their livestock. It is not an occupation."

Screenshot of Rep. Jason Bunting's May 15 Facebook post | State Representative Jason Bunting's Facebook page

The contentious House Bill 2900 was filed by Rep. Anna Moeller on Feb. 16, 2023. After brief debate on May 15, 2024, it passed in the House and moved to the Senate where it had its first reading that day before being referred to the assignments committee as per information from the Illinois General Assembly’s web page focusing on the bill.
The legislation "prohibits contests or competitions with the objective of taking any fur-bearing mammal." It does allow an exception for field trials but "provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor subject to a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $5,000 in addition to other statutory penalties."

Bunting continued his critique during his floor speech saying "It’s a way of life. As leader Myers said before, this is a tool that we farmers across this state can use to protect our livestock and protect our livelihood. For those of you that vote yes on this bill, I want to have your cell phone numbers. And I want you to come to Rural Livingston County when I have to buy an animal attacked by these predators. Do not take this tool away from us," before urging a no vote."

Jason R. Bunting was appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2023, replacing Thomas Bennett who was appointed to serve in the state Senate. Bunting is co-owner of a seed business in Livingston County, as well as a family farm and trucking business in Emington, according to his official biography. He holds an Associate Degree from Joliet Junior College and is a graduate of Dwight Township High School.