Capitol Outdoors - Illinois' Hunting and Fishing Resource: Legislation

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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

HB 4592 -$DNR-SNOWMOBILES- Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie

Filed: HB 4592 on 2/6/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Appropriates $442,403 from the Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the administration and payment of grants to nonprofit snowmobile clubs and organizations for construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of snowmobile trails and areas for the use of snowmobiles. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

2/6/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony McCombie
2/6/2018 House First Reading
2/6/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

HB 4585-ROCK RIVER-CATFISH- Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Filed: HB 4585 on 2/6/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all properly licensed individuals shall be permitted to take, in any one day, no more than one flathead catfish under 35 inches in length within the waters of Rock River. Provides that a flathead catfish in possession of an individual from Rock River that is over 35 inches in length shall be released immediately. Provides that all properly licensed individuals shall be permitted to take, in any one day, no more than 6 channel catfish under 30 inches in length within the waters of Rock River. Provides that a channel catfish in possession of an individual from Rock River that is over 30 inches in length shall be released immediately.

Last Actions:

2/6/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony McCombie
2/6/2018 House First Reading
2/6/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

SB 2295 -FISHING LICENSES-Illinois 100th General Assembly

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Julie A. Morrison

Filed: SB 2295 on 1/10/2018

Final Action:
Passed Both Chambers
House: 101-000-000
Senate: 052-000-000

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 2295

Amend Senate Bill 2295 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code is amended by adding Sections 1-27 and 1-51 as follows:

(515 ILCS 5/1-27 new)
Sec. 1-27. Combination license. "Combination license" means an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of fish or animal during a specified period of time.

Synopsis As Introduced: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Defines "fishing license" for purposes of the Act as an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of fish during a specified period of time. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

1/10/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
1/10/2018 Senate First Reading
1/10/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
1/24/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
3/9/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
3/9/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
3/14/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
4/12/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
4/12/2018 Senate Do Pass as Amended Agriculture; 009-000-000
4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 17, 2018
4/23/2018 Senate Second Reading
4/23/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 24, 2018
4/24/2018 Senate Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Kyle McCarter
4/24/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 052-000-000
4/24/2018 House Arrived in House
4/24/2018 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
4/24/2018 House First Reading
4/24/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
5/2/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
5/8/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 016-000-000
5/9/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
5/9/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
5/9/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Avery Bourne
5/9/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Monica Bristow
5/9/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Severin
5/16/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/18/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 101-000-000
5/18/2018 Senate Passed Both Houses
5/18/2018 House Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Norine K. Hammond
5/18/2018 House Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Tony McCombie
5/18/2018 House Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Terri Bryant

SB 2493 -WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-Illinois 100th General Assembly

Governor Rauner has vetoed this bill (known as the Deer Feed Bill)

**Latest Update** September 25, 2018

Here is his veto message which addresses his decision:

Today, I veto Senate Bill 2493, which would direct the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute to conduct a study on the health and social effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of deer hunting season.

There is significant controversy within the conservation and wildlife professions as well as among the general public over the real and perceived positive and negative impacts of supplemental feeding of wild animals, and the scale on which these practices are used.

However, this subject needs further discussion to better define the scope and aims of such a study. It should include more flexibility for experts to exercise their judgment and further involvement by the Department of Natural Resources. We should ensure that any research fully considers the health impacts on the Illinois deer population.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2493, entitled “AN ACT concerning wildlife,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

This bill now moves onto Veto Session scheduled for November 13th. At this time the General Assembly may vote to override this veto.

Illinois Legislator Pledge for the Outdoors

Share this with your legislator, friends, family and #BeAVoicefortheOutdoors. The change starts now!

*Scroll down for pledge. Just right click and save as and let's get this pledge passed around!

To all Illinois Legislators,

For far too long hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts have been put on the back burner by our legislators. The lack of funding within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has put a strain on our state parks, conservation efforts and our ability to grow as an industry.

We are not going to point fingers at who is to blame. Why? Because Illinois' Natural Resources are enjoyed by all of Illinois' constitutes; Republicans and Democrats; all races, all genders and all religions. If we sit here and blame each other, nothing will be solved. We are taking a stand to inform you, our legislators, during this election cycle, that we are no longer sitting idly by. We are sick of the excuses that we have heard for over a decade and we want action!
We understand that our state is in the red when it comes to finances and there is no easy solution to get us out of it. We have heard over and over again that there is no funding available to the IDNR and we understand the politics that come into play when allocating funds. For example, Agriculture, Human Services, Pensions, Transportation and the list goes on. There is no easy fix to this budget crisis, however your constitutes that hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors are apprehensive about the future of our state's natural resources.

Legislators need to look at the IDNR as an investment decision, not an overnight solution. Just look at these two areas in Illinois; Lake Shelbyville and Rend Lake. These are two areas that have an abundance of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities that are not living up to their potential. Don't just take our word for it, talk to the legislators that represent these areas to see what our state is missing out on.

Current and past Directors of the IDNR can only do some much with the inadequate funding that you as legislators give them. Doing more with less only gets you so far.

It's time to capitalize on what Illinois can offer the nation. We are home to Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Illinois River and hundreds of lakes and other tributaries, you as legislators don't take advantage of. By investing in our state parks, our fisheries and our wildlife management you can increase tourism and economic development by bringing hunters, anglers, bird watchers and the like from other states. These are hunters that will hunt on our land, anglers who will fish our lakes, bird watchers who will enjoy our state parks. All of these people will buy gas at our gas stations, stay at hotels in our cities and go out to dinner at our local restaurants.

We write this letter to inform you that there are options available, you just have to be willing to work with those that utilize the natural resources. Be open minded about sitting down with groups, organizations and those that hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors in this state to see what solutions they have. These are your boots on the ground, they know the issues affecting their region or area just as well as those working within the agency.

We understand that your job is a difficult one and that there is no quick or easy solution, however the days of excuses from our legislators and those of power will no longer be accepted by the outdoor community.

Enclosed, is a pledge that we are asking, you, as a legislator, to sign to show your constitutes; the hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of this state, that you are serious about dedicating time, energy and resources into improving the quality of state parks, conservation efforts and more within the IDNR. By signing this pledge, you are showing a willingness to be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Dave Severin

Filed: HB 4231 on 1/16/2018

Final Action
Passed Both Chambers
Senate: 058-000-000
House: 111-000-000

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Authorizes certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing (in addition to blaze orange colored clothing).

Last Action:
Bill Passed Both Houses and now moves onto the Governor

Bill Status:

1/9/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Dave Severin
1/16/2018 House First Reading
1/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
3/5/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Terri Bryant
4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Monica Bristow
4/9/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tony McCombie
4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/12/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Carol Ammons
4/13/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
4/13/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/17/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000
4/17/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
4/17/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 18, 2018
4/25/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
4/25/2018 Senate First Reading
4/25/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
5/1/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
5/10/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 009-000-000
5/10/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 15, 2018
5/16/2018 Senate Second Reading
5/16/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 17, 2018
5/23/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000
5/23/2018 House Passed Both Houses

HB 4279-DNR-RECREATIONAL BOAT FUNDING - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II

Filed: HB 4279 on 1/18/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources has the authority to accept, receive, and administer on behalf of the State, federal grant funds associated with the development or preservation of recreational boating infrastructure on this State's waterways and distribute those funds as prescribed by the appropriate federal agency. Provides that funds received by the Department shall be deposited into the Natural Resources Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Dollars Fund and used for these purposes. Makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act.

Last Actions:

1/18/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
1/19/2018 House First Reading
1/19/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
2/5/2018 House Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee
2/14/2018 House To Growth, Reform & Fairness Subcommittee
3/1/2018 House Recommends Do Pass Subcommittee/ Revenue & Finance Committee; 004-000-000
3/1/2018 House Reported Back To Revenue & Finance Committee;
3/1/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Revenue & Finance Committee; 008-000-000
3/1/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
3/6/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
3/6/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
3/7/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 106-000-000
3/7/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Lee Long
3/7/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Christian L. Mitchell
3/7/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. David A. Welter
3/9/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
3/9/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
3/9/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chris Nybo
3/9/2018 Senate First Reading
3/9/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments

HB 4487 - Funding State Parks through Lottery Game - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsor
Rep. John M. Cabello

Filed: HB 4487 on 1/31/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:
Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Requires the Department of the Lottery, beginning on January 1, 2019 or as soon thereafter as is practical, to offer a special instant scratch-off game for the purposes of upkeep, maintenance, and improvements to Illinois State and local parks. Provides that the net revenue from the special instant scratch-off game must be deposited into the Illinois Parks Scratch-off Fund. Provides that the moneys deposited in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Natural Resources for upkeep, maintenance, and improvements to Illinois State and local parks, including grants for those purposes. Authorizes the Department of the Lottery to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the game. Defines "net revenue". Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Parks Scratch-off Fund. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

1/31/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. John M. Cabello
2/2/2018 House First Reading
2/2/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
3/7/2018 House Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee

Thursday, December 28, 2017

New Illinois Outdoor Legislation Regarding Hunting and Fishing effective January 1, 2018

During the first year of the 100th General Assembly talks were mostly about the budget, however there were some hunting and fishing related bills that passed. Below you will find those that are effective January 1, 2018. One of the major bills that passed this General Assembly was the Crossbow bill, however that became effective immediately, so we did not include that and others that had an immediate effective date. If you would like to learn more about these, click here.

The second year of this General Assembly might be slow going until after the March primary then you may see things start picking up again. However, as in every election year there may be hot button issues brought up to get that recorded vote or both chambers will be quiet and contend to only issues of less controversy, only time will tell. Be sure and follow us as we keep you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.

Hunting for America comes to Illinois

(Springfield, IL) Today, a new organization has joined the many others trying to effect change within the Capitol Building. Hunting Works for America has come to Illinois creating a new grassroots organization, Hunting Works for Illinois.

Hunting Works for Illinois Mission

'Hunting Works For Illinois exists to promote the strong economic partnership between the hunting and shooting communities and the local economy of the state of Illinois.'

In December of 2016, President Obama signed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act into law.

'This new piece of legislation requires the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, to assess and analyze the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry, including recreational fishing, to the United States economy. The legislation will help to ensure that sportfishing industry jobs and recreational fishing’s economic impact are accounted for as part of the gross domestic product (GDP).'

Governor Rauner Signs HB 3399 - Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit

On September 22, 2017 Governor Rauner signed HB 3399 which will allow hunters and trappers to harvest up to 350 bobcats during the 2017 - 2018 season. However, if you hunt/trap in these counties (Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DeWitt, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Stark, Stephenson, Vermilion, Will, Winnebago, Woodford) the law makes it unlawful to do so for bobcats. This is one of the last bills we've been waiting action on from the governor.

Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

New Law Results in Changes in Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new state law will allow hunters and trappers to harvest up to 350 bobcats during the 2017-18 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Season which opens on Nov. 10. The legislation making changes in the bobcat season, House Bill 3399, was signed into law on Sept. 22.

Additionally, the new law also changed the list of counties in which it is unlawful to hunt or trap bobcats in the state. The following counties are prohibited from hunting or trapping bobcats: Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DeWitt, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Stark, Stephenson, Vermilion, Will, Winnebago, Woodford, and the area north of U.S. Route 36 in Edgar and Douglas counties and north of U.S. Route 36 to the junction with Illinois Route 121 and north or east of Illinois Route 121 in Macon County.

Bobcat hunting and trapping season dates are Nov. 10, 2017 through Feb. 15, 2018.

Illinois resumed bobcat hunting and trapping during the 2016-17 season. During the 2016-17 season, the taking of bobcats was prohibited in a northeast quadrant of the state bounded by Interstate 39/U.S. Route 51 on the west and U.S. Route 36 on the south, and was allowed in the remainder of the state.

Hunters and trappers may apply for 2017-18 bobcat permits through Sept. 30. A total of 1,000 permits have been allocated, and a lottery drawing will be conducted as more than 1,000 permit applications have been received. During last year’s bobcat season, Illinois issued 500 permits and hunters and trappers harvested 141 bobcats, a 28 percent success rate.

Applications can be made through the DNR Direct online license and permit system ($5.00 non-refundable application fee) at https://www.il.wildlifelicense.com/start.php

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Illinois Governor Signs Four Hunting/Fishing Related Bills

Yesterday, the Governor signed four hunting/fishing related bills:

HB 2685-Green Hides

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that except as provided in the Code, it is unlawful to have in his or her possession the green hides of fur bearing mammals without a valid hunting or trapping license. Learn More

HB 3093-Electronic Licenses

Amends the Wildlife Code. Defines "hunting license" as an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of animal during a specified period of time. Effective immediately. Learn More

HB 3272- Commercial Fishing

A Department of Natural Resources initiative providing that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound net. Learn More

HB 3273- Lake Michigan Fishing

Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule. Learn More

There are still two bills that we are waiting for Governor Action on:

HB 2893- Crossbow Bill

HB 3399 - Bobcat Prohibition Bill

He has until the end of September (60 days from when he was sent them) to either Veto

or Sign them or they become law.

Be Informed! Follow us on social media and check back often for updates!

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Legislative Wrap Up for First Section of 100th General Assembly

Legislative Wrap-up for First Year of 100th General Assembly

The legislative deadline for the first year of the 100th G.A. (May 31st) has come and gone. This year, the general assembly was focused on major reforms to try and combat the budget deficit and ultimately pass a budget.

The political back and forth and blame game continued throughout the session and no real reform happened and unfortunately this state is still without a budget.

Speaker Madigan has called for continuous session throughout the summer in an attempt to pass a budget before the June 30th deadline.

In between all the budget discussions, there were in fact some hunting and fishing bills that made it through both chambers and now sit on the Governor's desk.

If you would like more information on each bill, click on the link.

Bills that passed both chambers:

HB 2028 -Aquatic Life License Renewal Date

HB 2685 - Wildlife Trapping - Green Hides

HB 3093 - Electronic Hunting License

HB 3272 - Commercial Fishing Regulations

HB 3273 - Fish-Lake Michigan

There are still some major hot button issues that sit in either chamber to be potentially voted on. Such as the Bobcat Prohibition Bill, Lead Ammunition Ban and the Crossbow Hunting bill.

Be sure to subscribe so that you can stay up to date as things happen in the General Assembly.

Know someone that needs to be informed of these issues? Forward this along. Let's unite and be informed hunters, anglers and outdoor men and women!

Friday, May 26, 2017

Commercial Fishing, Electronic License, & Volunteer Trail Awaiting Governor

There's been movement on the Illinois Senate floor. All these bills have passed both the house and senate and now wait Governor Rauner's signature.

With the legislative deadline approaching what else will come up for a vote? Stay informed by following us.

Wildlife-Hunting License-100th GA - HB 3093

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC-100th GA - HB 3273

DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM-100th GA - HB 3455

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

Friday, April 28, 2017

DNR- Ashes in State Parks-100th GA - SB 1586

Senator Bill Cunningham
Filed: SB 1586 on 2-9-17

Amends the State Parks Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may establish rules for the public to safely and appropriately scatter cremated remains in a State park. Defines "cremated remains."

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Crematory Regulation Act. Provides that "scattering area" also includes property used for outdoor recreation or natural resource conservation owned by the Department of Natural Resources and designated as a scattering area.

Date Chamber Action

2/9/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
2/9/2017 Senate First Reading
2/9/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
2/28/2017 Senate Assigned to Public Health
3/8/2017 Senate Postponed - Public Health
3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
3/17/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 7, 2017
3/22/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Public Health
3/28/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
3/29/2017 Senate Do Pass as Amended Public Health; 008-000-000
3/29/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 30, 2017
4/6/2017 Senate Second Reading
4/6/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 25, 2017
4/27/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
4/27/2017 House Arrived in House
4/27/2017 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
4/27/2017 House First Reading

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

Fish & Aquatic Life Code-100th GA - HB 2028

Rep. Tony McCombie

Filed: HB 2028 on 2-2-17

Floor Amendment #1:

Amends the Fish & Aquatic Life Code by changing the date when Aquatic Life Dealer Licenses expire to correspond with the expiration date of hunting and fishing licenses.

Latest Action:

5/30/2017 House Passed Both Houses

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Introduces a Bipartisan Sportsmen's Package of Legislation (S. 733)

During this Congress a new sportsmen package was introduced to enhance opportunities for recreation throughout the United States. Below is a press release from the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus explaining this package of legislation.

________________________________________________

March 29, 2017 (Washington, DC) - This week, Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Members Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), along with CSC leaders, Senators Jim Risch (ID), Joe Manchin (WV), Deb Fischer (NE), and Heidi Heitkamp (ND), introduced a bipartisan sportsmen's package of legislation (S. 733) in the Senate.

Provisions within this bill would increase access to public lands for outdoor recreation, and enhance opportunities for pursuing hunting, angling, and recreational shooting traditions. Key provisions within S. 733 include:

Reauthorizing federal land open to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting;
Reauthorizing the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act;
Exempts commercial filming permits for film crews of three or fewer, or for news gathering purposes;
Authorizing the Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures (HUNT) Act
Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to allocate funds for construction and expansion of public target ranges on federal land;
Permanently establishes the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting.
Allows the transport of bows or crossbows across National Park Service (NPS) land;
Allows use of qualified hunter volunteers to manage wildlife on NPS land.

Sen. Murkowski:

"For too long, sportsmen's access to our federal lands has been restricted without reason or transparency. Our bipartisan Sportsmen's Act will ensure that our federal lands are open unless closed, provide new opportunities for more Americans to enjoy those lands, and require federal agencies to expand and enhance access in accordance with their missions. The bill we introduced is an important first step as we seek to have these priorities signed into law."

Sen. Heinrich:

"The number one issue for sportsmen across the country is access. This widely supported, bipartisan bill will open more areas to hunting and fishing and grow America's thriving outdoor recreation economy. Hunting and fishing are a way of life for millions of Americans - especially in New Mexico where outdoor recreation as a whole is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs. Sportsmen have a deep connection to the outdoors and benefit from the recreation, wildlife, and water that our public lands provide and I remain deeply committed to conserving these treasured places for our children and all future generations to enjoy."

Sen. Risch:

"With more than half-a-million sportsmen and women in Idaho alone, this legislation will ensure they can continue to access their favorite hunting or fishing spot. This year, I am confident we can get the Sportsmen's Act to the White House."

Sen. Manchin:

"As an avid sportsman, I know firsthand that our hunting and fishing heritage is so important to who we are as West Virginians and as Americans. This bipartisan bill will boost West Virginia's economy while expanding hunting and fishing rights and allowing people a greater ability to enjoy the outdoors. I truly believe that people in the Mountain State and across this nation should be able to enjoy hunting and recreational shooting and have the ability to go out and enjoy the outdoors. We should protect these traditions that help define who we are and I'm proud to join my colleagues to introduce this important piece of legislation."

S. 733 is expected to be marked up in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, March 30.

Action from Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act-100th GA - HB 2828

Representative Charles Meier

Filed: HB 2828 on 2-9-17

Amends the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act of 2009. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning priorities for projects.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act of 2009. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize projects under the Act that create parks universally designed to meet everyone's needs, ages, and mobility and where all equipment, and the park itself, is handicap-accessible over projects that would create parks where only some equipment, or only the park itself, is handicap-accessible. Effective immediately.

Previous Actions:

Date - Chamber - Action
2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Charles Meie
2/9/2017 House First Reading
2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
2/22/2017 House Assigned to Executive Committee
3/24/2017 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Charles Meier
3/24/2017 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
3/27/2017 House Re-assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
3/27/2017 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
3/28/2017 House Motion Filed to Suspend Rule 21 Agriculture & Conservation Committee;Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie
3/28/2017 House Motion to Suspend Rule 21 - Prevailed
3/28/2017 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
3/28/2017 House Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
3/29/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week

There will be movement this week in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee. Chairman Costello will most likely be calling several bills and some of those will be hunting or fishing related. Some may be a clarification of law while others may add new devices for deer hunting. The only question that remains is which bill will be called upon. Below you'll see a list of bills that may be called in committee on Tuesday.