Be sure and "Like" our Facebook page where we post updates on bills as they move through the committee process and eventually for a full vote on either the House or Senate floor.
Want to voice your concern regarding a certain bill? You can either reach out to the bill sponsor with specific questions or file a witness slip to document your position. We outlined how you would go about filing a witness slip here.
Capitol Outdoors will dive deeper into each bill as they continue in the process.
The following are bills that were filed this year. If you would like to read the full text of the bill, click the link.
HB 4112 - WILDLIFE-LAND PERMIT-RESIDENCY
House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier
Allows a landowner deer, turkey, and combination permit to be issued without charge to Illinois landowners (removes residing in the State) who own at least 40 acres of Illinois land and wish to hunt upon their land only.
HB 4254 - WILDLIFE CD-DISABLED VET EXEMPT
House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz
Provides that a veteran who is at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or who is in receipt of a total disability pension is not required to procure a trapping license in order to trap any of the permitted species identified in the Code during such times and with such devices and by such methods as permitted by the Code.
HB 4308 - WILDLIFE CD-TRAPPING LICENSE EXEMPT
House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz
Provides that a veteran who is certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to be at least 10% disabled with service related disabilities or who is in receipt of total disability pension may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Provides further that a military member returning from mobilization and service outside the United States who is an Illinois resident may trap, as permitted by the Code, without paying any fees required to obtain a trapping license, if he or she applies for the license within 2 years after returning from service abroad or after mobilization. Adds trapping licenses to the terminally ill hunter licensing program. Provides that persons on active duty in the Armed Forces or Illinois residents with a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability as defined in the Illinois Identification Card Act may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Adds definitions.
HB 4317 - FISH-FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTION FOR YOUTH
House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Provides that individuals under the age of 18 (instead of 16) may fish with sport fishing devices without being required to have a license.
HB 4863 - YOUTH HUNTING TURKEY STATEWIDE PERMIT PILOT
House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall create a pilot program during the annual 2-weekend, youth-only spring wild turkey hunting season to allow for youth wild turkey hunting permits that are valid statewide, excluding those counties or portions of counties closed to firearm turkey hunting. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to implement the pilot program. Provides that nothing shall be construed to prohibit the Department from issuing Special Hunt Area Permits for the youth-only wild turkey hunting season or establishing, through administrative rule, additional requirements pertaining to the youth-only wild turkey hunting season on Department-owned or Department-managed sites, including site-specific quotas or drawings.
HB 4994 - WILDLIFE-AIRBOW DEER HUNTING
House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier
Permits the use of an airbow in hunting deer. Defines "airbow". Makes conforming changes.
"Airbow" means a bow and arrow device that applies 150 pounds of force in the form of compressed air to an arrow over a 25 inch power stroke.
HB 4996 - WILDLIFE CD-WILD SWINE
House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier
Includes wild swine as a protected species covered by the Code. Sets forth definitions of "wild swine" for purposes of the Code. Provides that wild swine may be taken by hunting methods at any time. Provides further that wild swine may be taken during the open season by use of a small light that is worn on the body or hand-held by a person not in any vehicle.
HB 5060 - WILDLIFE/4-POINT ANTLER RULE
House Sponsors
Rep. Brad Halbrook
Provides that it is unlawful for a person to take deer except antlerless deer and antlered deer with at least one antler having at least 4 antler points. Provides that the antler point restriction applies to all deer hunting zones, seasons, and permittees, except during the special 3-day, youth-only deer hunting season. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules to implement and administer the antler point restriction.
"Antler point" means an antler point or tine that is at least one inch long from base to tip, including a broken point or tine that is at least one inch long. "Antler point" includes the end of the main beam of an antler.
HB 5088 -FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE
House Sponsors
Rep. Robert Rita
Allows the holder of a scientific collector's permit to fish with sport fishing devices without a license. Requires any individual who is required to obtain a license to also obtain an aquatic conservation stamp prior to taking or attempting to take any fish, including minnows for commercial purposes, turtles, mussels, crayfish, or frogs from waters of this State. Provides that the fee for the aquatic conservation stamp is $5 for both resident and non-resident licensees; waives the fee for residents over 75 years of age. Makes other conforming changes. Requires that fees derived solely from the sale of aquatic conservation stamps, gifts, donations, grants, and bequests of money for the conservation of aquatic life shall be deposited to the State Treasury and set apart in a special fund known as the Aquatic Conservation Stamp Fund. Sets forth further requirements regarding appropriations from Aquatic Conservation Stamp Fund.
HB 5179 - DNR-STATE PARKS-APPRENTICESHIP
House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock
Provides that the Department has the power to enter into contracts with union apprentice trade programs across the State for the purpose of providing maintenance and repairs to State parks. Allows each Regional Office of the Department to contract with such programs in its respective region. Provides that funds from the Park and Conservation Fund may be used by the Department to enter into contracts with union apprentice trade programs.
HB 5192 - FISH-AGE REQ-FISHING LICENSE
House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz
Provides that any individual, resident or non-resident, who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall, before taking or attempting to take any aquatic life protected by the Code by any means whatever in the State of Illinois, obtain a license to do so. Provides that before taking or attempting to take salmon from Lake Michigan, a resident or non-resident who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall obtain a salmon stamp authorized by the Department of Natural Resources; before taking or attempting to take trout from all waters except Lake Michigan, a resident or non-resident who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall obtain an inland trout stamp authorized by the Department. Requires an individual under 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) who possesses a lifetime hunting or sportsmen's combination license to have in his or her possession, while in the field, a certificate of competency as required under the Wildlife Code.
HB 5253 - FOREST/CONSERVE-DESIGN-BUILD
House Sponsors
Rep. Frances Ann Hurley
Provides that a forest preserve district or conservation district may enter into design-build contracts. Includes scope and performance criteria for design-build contracts, a two-phase procedure for selection of contracts, requirements for submission of proposals, procedures for awarding contracts, and requirements of reports and evaluation of contracts. Provides that if the total overall cost of a project is estimated to be less than $12,000,000, the forest preserve or conservation district may combine the two-phase procedure for selection into one phase. Amends the Conservation District Act, Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, and Cook County Forest Preserve District Act making conforming changes. Further amends those Acts increasing the minimum contract amount to $50,000 (currently $25,000) before competitive bidding is required.
HB 5306 - VEH CD-PERMANENT TRAILER PLATE
House Sponsors
Rep. Terri Bryant
Provides that beginning with the 2022 registration year, the Secretary of State, at the option of the applicant, shall issue permanent registration plates for a one-time fee of $118 to the owner of a trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less. Provides that a person who has been issued a permanent trailer plate is not required to pay the annual flat weight tax and registration fee. Lowers the annual flat weight tax and registration fee for trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less from $118 to $18.
If you recall, as part of the Capital Bill last year, the trailer registration fees increased from $18 to $118. This bill along with others is trying to remedy that.
HB 5447 - BOAT SAFETY- Act Clean-Up Language
House Sponsors
Rep. Nicholas K. Smith
Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Changes the definitions Section to put the terms in alphabetical order and changes the definitions of "motorboat" and "operate". Defines "international regulations" and "wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device". Makes additional changes and adds provisions in Sections concerning: personal flotation devices; navigation lights; interference with navigation; and traffic rules.
HB 5469 - DNR-OUTDOOR GRANTS PROGRAM
House Sponsors
Rep. Sonya M. Harper
Provides that the Department shall establish the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, subject to adequate appropriation or private funding, to increase the ability of underserved and at-risk populations to participate in outdoor environmental educational experiences at State parks and other public lands where outdoor environmental education programs take place. Contains provisions relating to the organization of the grant program, priority of specified populations, funding of the grant program, and annual reporting. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to implement the provisions. Amends the State Finance Act by adding the Outdoor Equity Grants Program Fund.
HB 5542 - STATEWIDE YOUTH DEER - DISABLED HUNT
House Sponsors
Rep. Norine K. Hammond
Provides that during the pilot program that creates the special 3-day, youth-only firearm deer hunting season, one day of the 3 days shall be reserved for children with disabilities. Provides that the one day youth-only firearm deer hunting season reserved for children with disabilities shall apply to all counties located in the State. Provides that all provisions of the pilot program are inoperative on and after January 1, 2023. Effective June 1, 2020.
HB 5543 -COMMERCIAL FISHING DEVICES
House Sponsors
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer
Allows commercial fishermen to obstruct more than one-half the width of any stream or watercourse under specified circumstances. Specifies requirements for commercial fishermen who are unable to be in immediate supervision of his or her gill and trammel nets. Defines "trammel net" and "gill net". Makes conforming changes
HB 5544 - ANIMALS-DOGS-TRESPASS ON LAND
House Sponsors
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer
Removes the provision of the Code that prohibits a person from intentionally or wantonly allowing a dog to hunt (i) on the land of another, or (ii) on the waters that flow over or stand on the land of another, without first obtaining permission from the owner or the owner's designee. Effective immediately.
SB 2550 -TRAPPING LICENSE EXEMPTION
Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler
Provides that a veteran who is certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to be at least 10% disabled with service related disabilities or who is in receipt of total disability pension may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Provides further that a military member returning from mobilization and service outside the United States who is an Illinois resident may trap, as permitted by the Code, without paying any fees required to obtain a trapping license, if he or she applies for the license within 2 years after returning from service abroad or after mobilization. Adds trapping licenses to the terminally ill hunter licensing program. Provides that persons on active duty in the Armed Forces or Illinois residents with a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability as defined in the Illinois Identification Card Act may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license.
SB 3230 - WILDLIFE-HABITAT STAMP-EXEMPTION
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Dale Fowler
Provides that owners of land and their children, parents, brothers, and sisters shall have the right to hunt upon their lands without procuring a State Habitat Stamp, but the hunting shall be done only during periods of time and with devices and by methods as are permitted by the Code.
SB 3232 - WILDLIFE-OUTFITTER PERMITS
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Thomas Cullerton
Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall, by rule, provide for a number of Wild Turkey Hunting Permits to be set aside specifically for wild turkey outfitters operating in this State with a valid outfitter permit. Authorizes wild turkey outfitters to provide these permits to customers in the course of providing outfitting services. Provides that nothing shall prohibit a wild turkey outfitter from scheduling hunts with persons holding permits not otherwise provided by the outfitter.
SB 3235 - WILDLIFE-FISH LICENSES-MILITARY EXEMPTION
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Rachelle Crowe
Provides that an Illinois resident who is on active military duty and is stationed in Illinois may fish as permitted by the Fish and Aquatic Life Code without paying any fees required to obtain a fishing license. Provides that an Illinois resident who is on active military duty and is stationed in Illinois may hunt as permitted by the Wildlife Code without paying any fees required to obtain a hunting license.
SB 3393 - FISH-LICENSE FEES FOR VETERANS
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Patrick Joyce
Provides that, beginning with the 2021 license year, resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have returned from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States shall be issued a fishing license, or a sportsmen's combination license, free of charge. Requires veterans to provide verification of their service to the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the Department shall establish what constitutes suitable verification of service for the purpose of issuing a fishing license or a sportsmen's combination license free of charge to resident veterans.
The following are bills that were filed last year that can still move through the process:
HB 1598 - 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE
House Sponsors
Rep. Monica Bristow
Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year fishing license. Provides that the fee for a 5-year fishing license is $62.50. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year sportsmen's combination license that shall entitle the holder to the same non-commercial fishing privileges as residents holding a license and to the same hunting privileges as residents holding a license to hunt all species under the Wildlife Code. Provides that the 5-year sportsmen's combination license fee shall be $112.50. Provides that a sportsmen's combination license shall not be issued to any individual who would be ineligible for either the fishing or hunting license separately. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year hunting license to hunt all species for $52. Provides that for residents age 65 or older and resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year hunting license.
HB 2036 - HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES Exemption Veterans
House Sponsors
Rep. John M. Cabello
Provides that the fee for all sport fishing licenses shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a hunting license to hunt all species shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged. Makes technical changes.
HB 2778 - WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING OPENING
House Sponsors
Rep. Andrew S. Chesney
Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, each opening weekend for every hunting season established by the Department of Natural Resources shall be at least 4 days long.
HB 2783 - WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE HUNTING
House Sponsors
Rep. Andrew S. Chesney
As introduced:
Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer. Provides that rifle hunting permits issued by the Department of Natural Resources shall be approved by county ordinance. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, it is unlawful to take a deer with a rifle in a county of the State with a population of 500,000 or more. Defines "rifle" as any firearm designed, made, or adapted to be fired from the shoulder that uses the energy of an explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a projectile through a rifled bore by a single function of the trigger.
House Floor Amendment No. 2
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Provides that legal handguns and rifles include any bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches or any straight walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger both of which must be available as a load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. Deletes language that provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, it is unlawful to take a deer with a rifle in a county of the State with a population of 500,000 or more.
HB 3453 - DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS
House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock
Provides that a person may take deer with a .45 caliber or larger air-powered gun. Defines "air-powered gun" as any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB or pellet by spring, gas, or air charged from an external high compression power source.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK:
House Agriculture Committee Hearing
Feb. 18th - 2PM
SB 780 - MIGRATORY WATERFOWL
Provides that it shall be lawful for any person who holds the licenses, permits, and stamps required for the taking of migratory waterfowl to use steel and other non-toxic shotshells as approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service when taking waterfowl at any location in the State where the hunting of migratory waterfowl is authorized. Provides that it is unlawful to use any shotgun larger than 10 gauge or smaller than a .410 bore to take species protected by this Act; however, nothing shall prohibit the use of a shotgun, not larger than 10 gauge nor smaller than a 20 gauge, with a rifled barrel. Provides that it shall be unlawful to use lead shotshells to take wildlife on Department of Natural Resources properties on or after January 1, 2022.
The DNR already has administrative rules that ban specific ammunition on DNR sites. This legislation will codified it into statute.
Governor's Budget Address
Feb. 18th - NOON
STAY INFORMED! BE EDUCATED!
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