DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

Senator:  Barbara Wheeler (R)

Filed: HB 770 on 2-10-17

Synopsis As Introduced
Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to convey, in exchange for $1, certain real estate in McHenry County to the Fox Waterway Agency. Provides that the conveyance is subject to: (1) existing public utilities, existing public roads, and any and all reservations, easements, encumbrances, covenants, and restrictions of record; and (2) the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Authorizes the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Deletes language providing that the conveyance is subject to the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Provides instead that the property is subject to the express condition that within one year after conveyance, the Fox Waterway Agency shall: sell the real property for no less than fair market value; use any proceeds from the sale to purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites for no more than fair market value; and transfer any proceeds remaining after the purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if, after one year following the conveyances of the real property, the Fox Waterway Agency has failed to comply with the express condition, the real property shall revert to the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, or, if applicable, the proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property shall be immediately transferred to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if any property purchased with proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property is not used as a dredged material disposal site within 2 years following the conveyances or if at any time the property ceases to be used for public purposes, the Fox Waterway Agency shall convey by quitclaim deed the property to the Department of Natural Resources for $1. Provides that "fair market value" means the average of 3 appraisals plus the costs of obtaining the appraisals.

House Floor Amendment No. 2
Deletes language authorizing the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County.

Governor Rauner Releases 2018 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Governor Rauner Releases 2018 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Images property of IDNR and
Office of Management and Budget

A majority of Illinois hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts would agree with the statement that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has seen better days.  Today Governor Rauner released his 2018 proposed budget for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  While the state and the IDNR have been without a budget for 20 months, the lack of financial resources for the IDNR goes back over a decade.

Illinois has 1.31 million hunters and anglers, about 1/12 th of the population of Illinois or over 100,000 people per county.  You're talking about billions of dollars and thousands of jobs hunters and anglers are responsible for each year. More focus needs to be put on our natural resources so that our kids and grandchildren can experience what Illinois has to offer.


The Governor's proposed budget is broken down by agency and line item.On page 280 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget you'll see line items for the entire Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

The recommended fiscal year 2018 budget of $290.7 million will support DNR operations at all state parks, the Illinois state museums in Springfield, Lockport and Dickson Mounds, and the World Shooting Complex in Sparta (pg 286). Hunting and fishing license fees will remain at fiscal year 2017 levels and Illinois will continue multi-state efforts to conserve the monarch butterfly from its federally threatened or endangered species status. 

The fiscal year 2018 budget also recommends the Historic Preservation Agency (HPA) merge with DNR to consolidate the administration of state historic sites and monuments within one agency. By positioning HPA administration within DNR, core competencies will be centralized. The merger, which includes $9.2 million in new appropriation authority for DNR, is anticipated to result in $3.2 million in savings to ensure the continued collection and preservation of state historic resources. 

We are reviewing this further and will keep you up to date as more budget information comes through. Also, the most important thing to remember is that this just a proposal. Nothing has been approved by the legislature or enacted yet.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Hunting Sales Tax Holiday-100th GA - HB 3878

Hunting Sales Tax Holiday-100th GA - HB 3878

Representative Daniel V. Beiser(D)

Filed: HB 3878 on 2-10-17

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides a hunting sales tax holiday on specified dates for firearms and firearm ammunition that may be used for lawful hunting under the Wildlife Code. Provides for administration of the hunting sales tax holiday by the Department of Revenue. Provides the Department of Revenue with rulemaking authority, including emergency rulemaking authority. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to allow emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time

HB 2685 Action

• Date - Chamber -  Action
• 2/10/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois 100th General Assembly Outdoor Legislation Filed

Illinois 100th General Assembly Outdoor Legislation Filed

The Illinois General Assembly bill filing deadline was February 10, 2017.  Looks like you have some catching up to do.  With all the bills that were filed, it's easy to get lost in the mayhem.  Capitol Outdoors has gathered a list of hunting and fishing related bills to keep you as informed as possible.  You may notice that there are House Bills that correspond with Senate Bills, this is done to ensure that if one chamber does not move a bill, the other chamber will pick it up.

The following are all of the substantive bills that have been filed in both the House and Senate.  Each chamber also has the opportunity to file "Shell Bills".  These are basically empty bills within the wildlife code that either the House or Senate can file an amendment onto to make it a substantive bill.  Essentially these are place holders until language is written for the legislation.

We will be updating each bill as it moves through committee.  Remember not all of these bills will be heard in committee.  Make sure to follow us to stay as informed as possible this General Assembly!

House Bills:

HB0271  - CRIM CD-HANDGUN AMMO-SERIALIZE 

HB0308 - CRIM CD-FIREARM TRANSPORT 

HB0406 - HUNTING-CARRYING HANDGUNS

HB0427 - WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT 

HB0480 - WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT

HB0534 - DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE

HB0635 - HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES

HB1771 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEASON

HB1788 - WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

HB2410 - DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

HB2685 - WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

HB3093 - WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

HB3373 - 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

HB3399 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES

HB3750 - FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE 

Senate Bills:

SB1325 - WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

SB1466 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

SB1467 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEASON

SB1468 - WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES

SB1716 - WILDLIFE-DEER HUNT SEASON 

SB1981 - PROHIB BOBCAT TRAPPING

SB1983 - WILDLIFE CD-MANAGEMENT PLAN 

SB1985 - WILDLIFE CD-LEAD AMMUNITION 

SB2039 - WILDLIFE CD-DEER BAIT

If you have any questions on any of these bills please contact us and we will get you the information you need.  

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wildlife CD Management Plan-100th GA - SB 1983

Wildlife CD Management Plan-100th GA - SB 1983

Senator Don Harmon (D)

Filed: SB 1983 on 2-10-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that prior to the opening of a new hunting season for an animal that was listed on the endangered or threatened species list in the past 15 years, the Department of Natural Resources shall develop a management plan including: (1) an overall goal for the continued growth of the animal's population and return of a stable population in all prime habitat areas throughout the State for that animal; (2) an analysis demonstrating the impact of hunting in different regions of the State and the impact on different take limits on statewide animal populations; (3) identification of biological indicators that would indicate vulnerability in animal populations in particular counties or regions of the State and a plan for immediately suspending a hunting season in those areas based on those biological indicators; (4) a summary of any scientific data considered and a list of scientific and academic literature consulted; (5) identification of the steps that will be taken to enforce the management plan, to inform hunters and the public, and the financial resources needed by the Department; and (6) an emergency plan to cancel a hunting season if the Department finds that the proposed season conflicts with the management plan, staffing or resource constraints that fail to provide adequate enforcement of the management plan, or new scientific findings or research indicate the closing of the hunting season is appropriate. Provides that if the Department opens a hunting season for a new animal, it shall set a fee for hunting permits for the animal. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to take an animal in this State that was added to the list of hunting seasons on or after January 1, 2017, and prior to the development of a management plan by the Department. Effective July 1, 2017.

SB 1983 Action

• Date - Chamber -  Action
• 2/10/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Don Harmon
• 2/10/2017 Senate First Reading
• 2/10/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/28/2017 Senate Assigned to Environment and Conservation
• 3/9/2017 Senate Postponed - Environment and Conservation
• 3/16/2017 Senate Do Pass Environment and Conservation; 006-000-002
• 3/16/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 28, 2017

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Hunting & Fishing License Fees-100th GA - HB 635

Hunting & Fishing License Fees-100th GA - HB 635

Representative John Cabello (R)

Filed: HB 635 on 1-24-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the fee for all sport fishing licenses shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces that 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 that have been honorably discharged. Effective immediately.

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time

HB 2685 Action

• Date - Chamber -  Action
• 1/24/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. John M. Cabello
• 1/24/2017 House First Reading
• 1/24/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/2/2017 House Assigned to Appropriations-General Services Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wildlife -Disabled Person Hunt-100th GA - HB 3204

Wildlife -Disabled Person Hunt-100th GA - HB 3204

Representative Daniel Swanson (R)

Filed: HB 3204 on 2-9-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall, on an annual basis, establish one deer hunting weekend for persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Code. Provides that the Department may adopt administrative rules to implement the provision. Defines "person with a disability."

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Daniel Swanson
• 2/9/2017 House First Reading
• 2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wildlife CD- Deer Bait-100th GA - SB 2039

Wildlife CD- Deer Bait-100th GA - SB 2039

Senator Chapin Rose (R)

Filed: SB 2039 on 2-10-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person may supplementally feed deer with items otherwise prohibited by the Code when not in active deer hunting season which shall be implemented by the Department of Natural Resources by rule.

Hearings:  None Scheduled at this time.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/10/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
• 2/10/2017 Senate First Reading
• 2/10/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Fish & Hunt License- Police-100th GA - HB 3750

Fish & Hunt License- Police-100th GA - HB 3750

Representative Katie Stuart (D)

Filed: HB 3750 on 2-10-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the respective fees for resident fishing, combination sportsmen, and hunting licenses are waived for current and retired State, municipal, and local law enforcement officers.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/10/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Katie Stuart
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/1/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/21/2017 House Do Pass / Standard Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 008-005-001
• 3/22/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Standard Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Standard Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Standard Debate

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

5 YR Hunting & Fishing License- 100th GA - HB 3373

5 YR Hunting & Fishing License- 100th GA - HB 3373

Representative Daniel V. Beiser (D)

Filed: HB 3373 on 2-9-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. 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 no sportsmen's combination license shall 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.

Hearings:  None Scheduled at this time.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe