Hunting and Fishing Legislation Filed - 2nd Year of the 102nd Illinois General Assembly

January 28th was the deadline for the General Assembly to file bills for the second year of the 102nd G.A.  Both the House and Senate filed many outdoor related bills and we will highlight those below.

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 4372 - Rep. Anna Moeller

PROHIBIT WILDLIFE CONTESTS

Prohibits contests or competitions with the objective of taking any fur-bearing mammal. Provides an exception for field trials. Provides that a person who violates the new provisions is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $5,000 in addition to other statutory penalties.

HB 4386 -  Rep. Lance Yednock

WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE-DEER HUNTING

Provides that a centerfire rifle may be used to harvest deer during the firearm open season set by the Director of Natural Resources annually. Provides that all straight walled rifle rounds are legal ammunition for a centerfire rifle

HB 4429 - Rep. David Friess

DNR-STATE PARKS/PERMIT TO SELL

Requires all persons or entities seeking to charge fees to participants, provide items for sale, or otherwise collect money or items as part of an event located on property or facilities that are owned, leased, or managed by the Department of Natural Resources to complete a permit to sell application form to obtain a permit to sell. Provides that all revenue generated from an event shall be subject to a 10% fee payable to the Department of Natural Resources upon completion of the event. Requires all funds received by the Department to be allocated to the site at which the fees were collected. Waives activity permit fees, permit to sell fees, and facility usage fees for formally recognized Friends Groups and for all fishing tournaments and clubs

HB 4540 -  Rep. David A. Welter

FISH/HUNT LICENSE FEE VETERANS

Provides that hunting and fishing license fees shall be one-half the price of the current license fee amount for all resident veterans, regardless of deployment (instead of only for veterans after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States).

HB 4679 - Rep. Tony McCombie

WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE HUNTING

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. Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer; makes related 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.

HB 4680 -   Rep. Tony McCombie

VETERAN-FISH/HUNT LICENSE

Removes provisions requiring a veteran who has served as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or reserves of the United States Armed Forces to apply in person for a fishing license at a regional office of the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall establish by administrative rule the documentation that qualifies as acceptable verification of service; defines "acceptable verification" of service

HB 4713 - Lawrence Walsh, Jr.

DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD

Repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum.

    -You can read our thoughts on this particular bill here. 

HB 4981 -   Rep. Robert Rita 

FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE

Requires any individual who is required to obtain a fishing license, also obtain an aquatic conservation stamp prior to taking or attempting to take fish.

SB 3184 -  Sen. Neil Anderson

FISH/HUNT LICENSE FEES

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the current fees for a fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, and hunting license are annual fees. Allows a resident to obtain a 3-year fishing license (for a fee of $45), sportsmen's combination license (for a fee of $78.75), or hunting license (for a fee of $37.50). Provides that there is no fee for an annual or 3-year fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, or hunting license for a resident Gold Star Family member.

SB 3908 -Sen. Doris Turner

DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD

Repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum.

    -You can read our thoughts on this particular bill here. 

Capitol Outdoors continues to track legislation throughout the legislative process and will continue to update you via our Facebook page. 

Illinois 101st General Assembly - New Hunting and Fishing Legislation Filed

February 14th was the deadline for the General Assembly to file bills for the second year of the 101st G.A.  Both the House and Senate filed many outdoor related bills and we will highlight those below.

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! 

 

IDNR Advisory Board Violates Open Meetings Act

NRAB Board Meeting

Today political parties differ on nearly every issue, but there is one thing that is more American than anything. It is the idea that citizens can get involved in their government. And while these political differences have divided our country, we have to remember to hold our representatives and those that work on behalf of the people accountable for their actions or lack of, regardless of political party.

As many of you know, I have been involved with the IDNR since Director Miller under Governor Quinn and after attending these meetings over several years I have seen a lack of transparency and violations of the Open Meetings Act. This has been an ongoing issue with this board. According to the minutes from January 2018, George Sisk, Legal Counsel for DNR stated when discussing another possible Open Meetings Act violtion that, “The Open Meeting Act’s main purpose is to provide transparency when it comes to governmental operations and we must error on the side of caution when it comes to complying with OMA.”

I am by no means, a lawyer, a scholar, or a politician, I am a citizen of Illinois, a hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiasts. I started Capitol Outdoors to make sure that people like you had the insight and transparency of their government.

I am here to hold this board accountable for what I believe is a continued violation of the Open Meetings Act.

According to Section 2.02 (a) of the Open Meetings Act:

An agenda for each regular meeting shall be posted at the principal office of the public body and at the location where the meeting is to be held at least 48 hours in advance of the holding of the meeting. A public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains shall also post on its website the agenda of any regular meetings of the governing body of that public body.

As of 7:47 am this morning the NRAB website was not updated with today’s agenda. I believe this is a clear violation of the Open Meetings Act. This is not the first time that this has happened and as a member of the public how am I supposed to prepare to educate my audience of issues pertaining to this quarter’s meeting when I have no idea what is on the agenda. And in all the meetings I have attended, I have never once received a printed copy of the agenda so this time wouldn’t be any different.

Another issue related to the Open Meetings act are the minutes.

The only record that the general public has been able to see related to the activity of this advisory board over the last year has been the recordings and accounts by Capitol Outdoors. As you can see from the image above, the last minutes posted were from July 30, 2018.

According to Section 2.06 (b) of the Open Meetings Act:

The minutes of meetings open to the public shall be available for public inspection within 10 days after the approval of such minutes by the public body. Beginning July 1, 2006, at the time it complies with the other requirements of this subsection, a public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains shall post the minutes of a regular meeting of its governing body open to the public on the public body's website within 10 days after the approval of the minutes by the public body.

I advise this board to get their head out of the gutter, and start holding themselves accountable.  We must ask the question, is the IDNR and this board Communicating, Collaborating and Connecting with the public or is it business as usual?

Tune in to today’s NRAB meeting via our FB page unfortunately we don't know what will be discussed due to lack of agenda.

If you are unfamiliar with NRAB you can read a previous article of ours explaining the purpose of the board.

Illinois Statewide Park Entrance Fees On The Horizon

This morning the Senate Environment Committee had a hearing on SB 1310. Senator Rezin introduced this piece of legislation to begin implementing a parking fee for Starved Rock State Park. This state park is ranked 11th in the nation and the local area has seen an increase in the number of visitors. LaSalle County residents are struggling with the over 3 million visitors they see each year and the state park maintenance is deteriorating.

Photo Credit EnjoyIllinois.com

Governor Pritzker's Proposed Budget for Department of Natural Resources

Today Governor Pritzker released his FY20 proposed operating budget for the DNR. You can find it on page 256 of the Proposed Operating Budget. An operating budget is where 'appropriations are for consumable goods and services such as salaries and benefits, commodities, utilities, and professional services that are purchased and used during any one fiscal year.

The Governor’s recommended FY20 budget supports a Conservation Police Officer trainee class of 20 to help with the reduction due to retirement.

The proposed budget fully funds historic sites and preservation operations at last year's levels and maintains operations of all state parks and campgrounds.

Voicing Your Opinion / Filing A Witness Slip in the Illinois General Assembly

There are many bills that get filed in the House and Senate any given General Assembly and some of these bills get scheduled for hearings where legislators vote on them.  What can you do if you have an opinion on a bill?  Besides, reaching out to your legislator or the bill's sponsor you can voice your opinion via a witness slip when a bill goes to a committee for a hearing.

What is a witness slip?

• Witness Slip is a way for a person or group’s position to be recorded on a particular bill. 
• Witness slips can be filed by individuals on behalf of themselves or organizations. 
• Once a bill gets scheduled for a hearing in either the House or Senate, a witness slip can be filed. 

Witness can be filed electronically via the Illinois General Assembly website.  

Capitol Outdoors wants you, the hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast to know exactly how to be involved in your government.  Below, we will walk you through the exact steps on how to file a witness slip.  You can do this on any bill that you choose, from the comfort of your own home. 

1. Go to www.ilga.gov &

Click on GA Dashboard

Constitutional Amendment Guaranteeing the Right to Hunt & Fish Filed in Illinois

Each year thousands of bills and resolutions get filed in Illinois to become law.  Most of these bills get stuck in committee and never really gain any traction.  Bills, however, that have legislator support, constituent support or are overall popular, usually end up seeing movement.  However, popularity doesn't always stem from within the state and outside influence can also start the avalanche of support for a particular bill.  Let's take a look at one of the most recent House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment.

Illinois 100th General Assembly Spring Session Wrap-up // Hunting and Fishing Legislation

Both the House and Senate have concluded their Spring Session.  Below you will find a breakdown of all bills that have passed both chambers and now move onto the Governor.  Once the Governor receives each piece of legislation, he will have 60 days to take action; either sign or veto each respected piece of legislation.  We will keep you updated as this happens.

Both the House and Senate will return for Veto Session on November 13th.

BUDGET Update

The FY19 budget (HB 109) and budget implementation bill were passed by both the House and Senate.  In the past years of the Rauner Administration, you may have heard a lot of conversation surrounding the budget on news broadcast and other avenues, however this year was different, as legislators and staff kept much of the proceedings behind closed doors. The process went seemingly smooth as the election draws near.

The following are some of the highlights of the budget related to the DNR:

• This budget fully funds the Capital Budget which includes but is not limited to infrastructure rehabilitation and other grant programs. 

• The Department of Natural Resources operating budget stays the same. 
• Does not appear to be any new funding for Conservation Police

• According to the bill, unexpended appropriation from FY18 will be reappropriated to the Office of Resource Conservation. 
• 'The sum of $294,774, or so much thereof as may be necessary and remains unexpended at the close of business on June 30, 2017, from appropriations heretofore made in Article 86, Section 5 of Public Act 99-0524, is reappropriated from the Wildlife and Fish Fund to the  Department of Natural Resources for ordinary and contingent expenses of Resource Conservation.


• Many have been wondering how the Supplemental Deer Feeding Study will be funded.  Since the Prairie Research Institute is conducting the study, the appropriation will most like come from their budget.  
• The sum of $14,803,100, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois for costs and expenses related to or in support of the Prairie Research Institute, in accordance with Public Act 95-0728. 

If any of this is confusing please don't worry, the IDNR budget is broken down into dozen of funds and broken down again into other appropriations.  As Capitol Outdoors learns more we will continue to update you.
 
The following bills are now headed to the Governor:

HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing

• Authorizes certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing (in addition to blaze orange colored clothing).

HB 4783 - Youth Hunt/Trap

• Amends the Wildlife Code to provide a universal definition of youth to be "under 18" for consistency when it comes to youth hunting programs.

HB 5317 - Poached Deer Restitution Value 

• Increases the restitution that the DNR will receive when someone illegally takes wildlife.  
• For example: 
• Whitetail Deer- increase from $250 to $1000
• Trumpeter Swan - increase from $250 to $1000
• Eagle - increase from $500 to $1000
• Wild Turkey - increase from $250 to $500

HB 5440 - Youth Hunting

• Provides the the fee for resident and non-resident youth archery deer permit shall be the same. 
• For example, out of state family under the age of 18 would be able to hunt for the same cost as a resident youth of the State of Illinois. 

HB 5692 - River Otter Limit

• By deleting the provision that states that the River Otter limit should not exceed five per season, the DNR is able to better manage the population and change the River Otter limit according to the biologists data. 

HB 5693 - Trapping Tags 

• Currently trappers are required to put their name and address on their traps.  This bill would allow trappers to use their DNR Customer # instead for privacy reasons. 

SB 2295 - Electronic Fishing Licenses

• Defines "fishing license" and "combination license" as an electronic or physical copy. 

SB 2493 - Deer Feed

• This bill provides that the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute shall, subject to appropriation and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, conduct a study for a period of at least five years on the health and social effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of any Illinois deer hunting season and whether supplemental deer feeding affects the risk of disease transmission in the deer population.

As always please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.