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! 

Commercial Fishing, Electronic License, & Volunteer Trail Awaiting Governor

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

                       

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

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

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)

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

                       

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:

• 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

                       

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.

HB 0427

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

HB 0480 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT 

HB 0770 

Wheeler, Barbara DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE 

HB 1771

 Costello II, Jerry CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS

HB 1788 

Bryant, Terri WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

HB 2410 

Phelps, Brandon W. DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

HB 2685

 Costello II, Jerry WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

HB 3033 

Butler, Tim DNR-CONSULTATION FEES 

HB 3093 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

HB 3204 

Swanson, Daniel WILDLIFE-DISABLED PERSON-HUNT 

HB 3272 

Jesiel, Sheri COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION 

HB 3273 

Jesiel, Sheri FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC 

HB 3373

 Beiser, Daniel V. 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

HB 3399

 Sosnowski, Joe CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

HB 3455

 Spain, Ryan DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM 

HB 3583

 Halbrook, Brad WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT 

HB 3750

 Stuart, Katie FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/10/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Brad Halbrook
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/1/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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

• 2/10/2017	House	Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  2/10/2017	House	First Reading
  2/10/2017	House	Referred to Rules Committee
  2/22/2017	House	Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  3/9/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  3/9/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
  3/14/2017	House	Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  3/14/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40
  3/15/2017	House	Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  3/15/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper
  3/15/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Litesa E. Wallace
  3/21/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  3/21/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
  3/22/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 004-000-000
  4/4/2017	House	Second Reading - Short Debate
  4/4/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
  4/4/2017	House	Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  4/5/2017	House	Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mark Batinick
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/5/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/5/2017	House	Removed Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/6/2017	Senate	Arrive in Senate
  4/6/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
  4/6/2017	Senate	Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver
  4/6/2017	Senate	First Reading
  4/6/2017	Senate	Referred to Assignments
  4/25/2017	Senate	Assigned to State Government
  5/1/2017	Senate	Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Tim Bivins
  5/4/2017	Senate	Do Pass State Government; 007-000-000
  5/4/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 5, 2017
  5/4/2017	Senate	Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Steven M. Landek
  5/19/2017	Senate	Second Reading
  5/19/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 22, 2017
  5/25/2017	Senate	Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
  5/25/2017	House	Passed Both Houses

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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. André Thapedi
• 4/7/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John Cavaletto
• 4/26/2017 House Motion to Reconsider Vote - Withdrawn Rep. André 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