Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts

Friday, March 31, 2017

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

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


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Thursday, March 30, 2017

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


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:


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Sunday, March 5, 2017

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week

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.



Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT 

Wheeler, Barbara DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE 

 Costello II, Jerry CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS

Bryant, Terri WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

Phelps, Brandon W. DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

 Costello II, Jerry WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

Butler, Tim DNR-CONSULTATION FEES 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

Swanson, Daniel WILDLIFE-DISABLED PERSON-HUNT 

Jesiel, Sheri COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION 

Jesiel, Sheri FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC 

 Beiser, Daniel V. 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

 Sosnowski, Joe CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

 Spain, Ryan DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM 

 Halbrook, Brad WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT 

 Stuart, Katie FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-100th GA - HB 3583

WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-100th GA - HB 3583

Representative Brad Halbrook


Filed: HB 3583 on 2-10-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person may place or scatter deer bait otherwise prohibited when not in active deer hunting season. Provides that person who unlawfully baits deer is guilty of a petty offense subject to a mandatory fine of not less than $500 and shall lose hunting privileges in this State for a period of not less than a year.


Previous Actions:

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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

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

Representative Ryan Spain

Filed: HB 3455 on 2-10-17

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides in the Department of Natural Resource's Adopt-A-Park program that volunteers may assist with vegetation management, providing building and facility repair, or other appropriate services. Creates the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Provides that the Department shall establish and maintain Adopt-A-Trail programs with individual or group volunteers, if requested by an individual or group volunteers, in an effort to reduce and remove litter from trails and to provide other services. Provides that the Department shall retain the ability to approve or deny an individual or group volunteer's request; however, the Department must state the reason for the request denial. Provides that by engaging in volunteer activities under the Act, volunteers fully acknowledge and understand that there shall be neither a (1) promise or expectation of compensation of any type, including benefits, nor (2) creation of an employer-employee relationship. Makes other changes.

Latest Actions: House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
  • Date - Chamber - Action
    •  2/10/2017HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        2/10/2017HouseFirst Reading
        2/10/2017HouseReferred to Rules Committee
        2/22/2017HouseAssigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
        3/9/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        3/9/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
        3/14/2017HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
        3/14/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40
        3/15/2017HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
        3/15/2017HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper
        3/15/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Litesa E. Wallace
        3/21/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        3/21/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
        3/22/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 004-000-000
        4/4/2017HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
        4/4/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
        4/4/2017HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
        4/5/2017HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Mark Batinick
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/5/2017HouseRemoved Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/6/2017SenateArrive in Senate
        4/6/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
        4/6/2017SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver
        4/6/2017SenateFirst Reading
        4/6/2017SenateReferred to Assignments
        4/25/2017SenateAssigned to State Government
        5/1/2017SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Tim Bivins
        5/4/2017SenateDo Pass State Government; 007-000-000
        5/4/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 5, 2017
        5/4/2017SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Steven M. Landek
        5/19/2017SenateSecond Reading
        5/19/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 22, 2017
        5/25/2017SenateThird Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
        5/25/2017HousePassed Both Houses

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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

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

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3273 on 2-9-17



Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. 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. Provides that, at times determined by the Director, the Department shall advertise a public drawing to accept new qualified commercial fishing candidates and establish a ranking order for these new candidates to fill open Lake Michigan commercial fishing licenses. Provides that the ranking order shall continue to be used until the list of eligible candidates is exhausted. Removes provisions concerning the issuing of commercial licenses.

Latest Action:
  • 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3272 on 2-9-17


Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets. Provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water. Provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake-wide scientific assessment data or fishery management need. Repeals a Section concerning commercial fishing.


Latest Action:
  • 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses 

DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

 DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

Representative  Tim Butler

Filed: HB 3033 on 2-9-17



Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may assess specified consultation fees up to $500 (rather than assess a $500 fee). Deletes language providing that the Department shall not assess any fee for consultations requested by a State agency or federal agency.




Date Chamber Action
  • 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tim Butler
  • 2/9/2017 House First Reading
  • 2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
  • 2/22/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 3/14/2017 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  • 3/15/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/30/2017 House Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  • 3/30/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Tim Butler
  • 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
  • 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandon W. Phelps
  • 4/7/2017 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000
  • 4/7/2017 House Motion Filed to Reconsider Vote Rep. AndrĂ© Thapedi
  • 4/7/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John Cavaletto
  • 4/26/2017 House Motion to Reconsider Vote - Withdrawn Rep. AndrĂ© Thapedi
  • 4/27/2017 Senate Arrive in Senate
  • 4/27/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading May 2, 2017
  • 4/28/2017 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 5/2/2017 Senate First Reading
  • 5/2/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
  • 5/5/2017 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments
  • 5/5/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 9, 2017
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Second Reading
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 12, 2017
  • 5/15/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
  • 5/17/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Agriculture; 007-000-000
  • 5/26/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 31, 2017
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Recalled to Second Reading
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Rose
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000
  • 5/30/2017 House Arrived in House
  • 5/30/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1
  • 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  • 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee
  • 6/20/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Rules Referred to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 6/22/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  • 6/25/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs 097-001-000
  • 6/25/2017 House House Concurs
  • 6/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses
  • 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier
  • 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Swanson
  • 7/24/2017 House Sent to the Governor
  • 9/8/2017 House Governor Approved
  • 9/8/2017 House Public Act . . . . . . . . . 100-0491
Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

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


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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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