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

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

Be sure and "Like" our Facebook page where we post updates on bills as they move through the committee process and eventually for a full vote on either the House or Senate floor.

Want to voice your concern regarding a certain bill?  You can either reach out to the bill sponsor with specific questions or file a witness slip to document your position.  We outlined how you would go about filing a witness slip here.

Capitol Outdoors will dive deeper into each bill as they continue in the process.

The following are bills that were filed this year.  If you would like to read the full text of the bill, click the link. 

HB 4372 - Rep. Anna Moeller

PROHIBIT WILDLIFE CONTESTS

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

HB 4386 -  Rep. Lance Yednock

WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE-DEER HUNTING

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

HB 4429 - Rep. David Friess

DNR-STATE PARKS/PERMIT TO SELL

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

HB 4540 -  Rep. David A. Welter

FISH/HUNT LICENSE FEE VETERANS

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

HB 4679 - Rep. Tony McCombie

WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE HUNTING

Defines "rifle" as any firearm designed, made, or adapted to be fired from the shoulder that uses the energy of an explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a projectile through a rifled bore by a single function of the trigger. Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer; makes related changes. Provides that legal handguns and rifles include any bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches or any straight walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger both of which must be available as a load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.

HB 4680 -   Rep. Tony McCombie

VETERAN-FISH/HUNT LICENSE

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

HB 4713 - Lawrence Walsh, Jr.

DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD

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

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

HB 4981 -   Rep. Robert Rita 

FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE

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

SB 3184 -  Sen. Neil Anderson

FISH/HUNT LICENSE FEES

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

SB 3908 -Sen. Doris Turner

DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD

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

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

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

Legislation Filed to Abolish the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board

Hunters, Anglers, Outdoor Enthusiasts - I write to you today regarding a piece of legislation filed this year.  My experiences with NRAB and the IDNR have spanned many years. My opinion is complex with lots of backstory.  If you wish to read the bill for yourself and form your own opinions, please do so here.   This article contains many of the same thoughts that have been expressed to me from IDNR employees, hunters, anglers and many who enjoy the outdoors. 

HB 4713 / SB 3908 was filed to Abolish the DNR Advisory Board.  The bill states the following: "Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum."

What is NRAB?  The Advisory Board is statutorily created to advise the agency on long range policies to assist in guiding the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the state and recommend changes in hunting and trapping seasons and bag or possession limits. They also recommend to the Director which projects receive funding in bike, boat, and Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant programs. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board holds quarterly meetings with time allotted for public comment on any topic. You can read more here. 

I have attended numerous NRAB meetings over many administrations and this is my opinion of the board and the agency behind it. 
 
It's politics.  The members of the board are solely appointed by the Governor with some representing special interest groups whose voice seems to be heard louder than others.  Although the agenda may seem packed with discussion items, little discussion is had between board members with the department getting what the department wants. 

I have been constantly met by a stone wall when I want to get information from these agenda items.  I have wanted to see the reports that the board has been discussing and have been told that the information is not "public ready". There have been Open Meetings violations such as board members having discussions outside of the public forum and where meeting minutes are not posted timely. This board is run by the agency that many in the outdoor community have had problems with for years.  And this bill would give that agency more power and less oversight.

On the flip side, there are some members of the board that are very outspoken, that have tried for years to have certain voices be heard in regions of our state.  Who have time after time spoken up and have gotten nowhere. Who have had the same disappointments and struggles with this agency as many of you have had. This voice also happens to be the Chairman of the board.  Funny thing is, since that voice became Chairman NRAB has had very little meetings with the last being May 2021.  Coincidence?  

When Director Callahan came into office I had high hopes, silly me.  This bill is a slap in the face to outdoorsmen and women and was filed to silence the voices they don't want to hear.  When we reached out to the IDNR for comment Director of Communications -Jayette Bolinski stated the following:

The language contained in HB4713/SB3908 is placeholder language at this time to accommodate legislative filing deadlines. The proposal is not finalized, and IDNR will be working with sponsors to file an amendment.

IDNR has every intention of continuing the Natural Resources Advisory Board. However, state law established this panel 24 years ago, and today we believe the board can and should better reflect the diversity of the state, the current duties of the department as defined by state law, and those who seek to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Illinois.

IDNR receives advice from numerous boards and commissions on matters such as endangered species protection, climate change and nature preserves. We work closely with conservation-focused organizations statewide to manage and protect wildlife, land, and water. We monitor comments on our social media channels and share that feedback with IDNR staff. This is an agency that values public feedback and participation in the decision-making process.

If the intent of the legislation is not to Abolish the Board, don't file a bill to abolish the board.  There are other ways to file legislation to meet the filing deadline that could accommodate said amendment.  WORDS MATTER and the fact that the bill as filed stated that the agency wants to abolish the board MATTERS.  Your intent can not be trusted.  Your intent has time after time slapped us in the face.   The board can already do what you intend for it to do.  It does not need legislation to do that. 

I have heard for years that the IDNR intends to do certain things, that they agree with me on certain items.   I have even gone to the board and voiced my opinion on issues and that goes unheard. 

I agree that the board needs to be revamped.  That things need to change.  But, I do not agree that the board needs to be abolished.  That is the farthest thing from what needs to be done with the IDNR.  Although the board has been mismanaged, misdirected and in my opinion, run haphazardly it should not be abolished.  It has a specific purpose. 

For starters, maybe instead of having the Governor solely appoint members of the board, "diversify" it by having appointments made from the four caucuses.  The make-up of many boards and commissions are done this way. 

• 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.  
• 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the House and 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House. 
• 2 members appointed by the Governor. 

The legislation states that instead of the advisory board, public forums shall take place.  I don't know about you, but I have been to other IDNR forums, they are sparsely attended and the comments are taken with a grain of salt with no oversight.   The lack of involvement should speak volumes to the IDNR.  The public does not feel that they are listened to and after years of that treatment they just stopped showing up.  

If the IDNR wants to know what the outdoor community thinks, bring back Conservation Congress. PERIOD. 

But who am I.  I attended NRAB on my dime, representing noone. And for years I have tried to work with the IDNR on so many issues.  Have reached out to them on so many things but its just been yakety yakety yak with no answer back. 

The Outdoor Community needs to wake up, stand up and pay attention.   

This is not good policy. This is not okay. This is not how the IDNR Communicates, Collaborates or Connects. 

At the time of writing this article Director Callahan has declined to comment on this issue.  

Trailer Fee Registration Decrease, Bobcat Repeal, Rifle Hunting and More Outdoor Bills Filed in the Illinois 102nd General Assembly

Illinois 102nd General Assembly is well underway and legislators are busy filing bills.  You may have noticed the lack of posts on Capitol Outdoors last year in regards to hunting, fishing and outdoors recreation policies.  While bills were filed last year, the unknown nature of COVID-19 took precedent with session being cancelled and the focus shifting to the pandemic. 

Legislators are well on their way to filing bills and one hot topic this year is regarding the trailer fee decrease.   You may recall last year during the 101st GA there was an increase of $100 to trailer registrations.  This caught many members off guard, drew lots of attention and has since became law.  Many legislators have taken upon themselves to file legislation to change that fee back to the original $18. 

Recently, Governor Pritzker proposed his FY22 budget - you can read more about that here. 

Stay tuned as we follow along throughout this year where the committee process is going fully virtual.  This is going to keep hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.     

Trailer Bills:

HB2916
Adam Niemerg
VEH-CD-UNDO PA 101-32 FEES

HB2917
Adam Niemerg
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0036
Katie Stuart
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0636
Avery Bourne
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0837
Joyce Mason
IDOT- TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB1898
Thomas M. Bennett
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB2895
Randy E. Frese
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

Other Filed Outdoor Legislation:

HB0123
Lance Yednock
5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE

HB0278
Lance Yednock
WILDLIFE CD-FIREARM EXEMPTION

HB0334
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE-LAND PERMIT-RESIDENCY

HB1827
Daniel Didech
WILDLIFE-REPEAL BOBCAT TAKING

HB1891
Amy Elik
WILDLIFE&CRIM CD-SILENCERS

HB1939
Tony McCombie
FISH-FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTION

HB1941
Tony McCombie
WILDLIFE CD-YOUTH ONLY HUNTING

HB1974
Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
WLDLF CD-TRAPPNG LICNSE EXMPT

HB2549
Andrew S. Chesney
WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE DEER HUNTING

HB2618
Lance Yednock
WLDLF CD-TRAPPNG LICNSE EXMPT

HB2744
Robert Rita
FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE

HB2921
Avery Bourne
WILDLIFE-NUISANCE PERMIT-AGE

HB3344
Andrew S. Chesney
WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING OPENING

HB3645
Avery Bourne
MUZZLELOADING SEASON

HB3658
Sonya M. Harper
AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT

HB3717
C.D. Davidsmeyer
COMMERCIAL FISHING DEVICES

HB3718
C.D. Davidsmeyer
ANIMALS-DOGS-TRESPASS ON LAND

HB3752
Adam Niemerg
VETERANS DAY-FISHING LICENSE

HB3754
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE-AIRBOW DEER HUNTING

HB3755
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE CD-WILD SWINE

HB3756
Charles Meier
FISH & AQUATIC LIFE CODE

HB3757
Charles Meier
FISH-PROTECTED SPECIES

HB3812
Norine K. Hammond
WLDLIFE-DISABLD YOUTH DEERHUNT

HB3928
Thomas M. Bennett
CONSERVATION TASK FORCE