Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Photos from the Office of Management & Budget & the DNR 

Today Governor Rauner released his FY19 proposed operating budget for the DNR.  You can find it on page 262 of the Proposed Operating Budget.  An operating budget is where 'appropriations are for consumable goods and services such as salaries and benefits, commodities, utilities, and professional services that are purchased and used during any one fiscal year.' 

The Governor is proposing a 1.5% increase from FY18 that would support a Conservation Officer Trainee class which will be required due to retirement and other similar situations. This proposed budget also maintains a fully funded historic preservation department which the IDNR acquired during 2017.  Hunting and fishing licenses will remain the same price for FY19 while maintaining operations of all state parks and campgrounds.

If this is your first time looking at the DNR budget, it can be overwhelming due to the fact that there are many different programs, departments and funds associated with the agency.  You can find this breakdown on page 263 of the Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget.

The Governor also proposed a Capital Budget for the IDNR.  A Capital Budget is when 'appropriations are for assets that have a long-term useful life, such as buildings, highways, underground or surface infrastructure, durable equipment and land. Capital appropriations may span multiple fiscal years.' You can find the DNR Capital Appropriations beginning on page 56 of the Governor Proposed FY19 Capital Budget.

Over several years, the DNR has gone without capital appropriations and with that came deterioration of many DNR properties.  A fully funded capital budget in FY19 will allow the agency to do the over $24 million improvements that they have identified. These projects are highlighted on page 57 of this budget.

The fiscal year 2019 proposed budget provides funding for a complete DNR capital program. This includes: 

• The continuation of prior year outdoor grant projects, flood hazard mitigation buyouts, mined lands reclamation, recreational trail and water resources programming; 
• Additional spending authority to finish previously awarded projects; and 
• Pay-as-you-go appropriations allowing the department to carry out projects and programming that are both core to its mission and can allow for federal match or reimbursement. 

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 

The recommended fiscal year 2019 capital budget continues to fund grants and programs that were included in the fiscal year 2018 budget. 

• Additional spending authority to finish out prior year obligations is included, such as: 
•  $25 million in authority to fund previous years’ awards for the Museum Grant Program; and  

• $64 million to continue prior year grants from the Park and Recreational Facilities (PARC) program. 

• $30.5 million is included for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) projects, including $15.0 million for new projects in fiscal year 2019.

As hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts we understand how bad the DNR needs this capital appropriation to just maintain our state parks and make them more enjoyable for all visitors.

As a reminder, this is the Governor's Proposed budget, it has not been enacted or approved.  This begins the long negotiations of a budget in Illinois, so continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors throughout this process. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

HB 4783 and SB 2663 - Wildlife - Youth Hunt/Trap - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Avery Bourne

Filed: HB 4783 on 2/13/2018

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Chuck Weaver

Filed: SB 2663 on 2/13/18

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Combines youth hunting and trapping licensing. Provides that the fee for a Youth Hunting and Trapping License is $7. Provides before any youth 18 shall take or attempt to take any species protected by the Code for which an open season is established, the youth shall first procure and possess a valid Youth Hunting and Trapping License. Provides that a Youth Hunting and Trapping License shall entitle the licensee to hunt or trap while supervised by an adult (rather than a parent, grandparent, or guardian) who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois hunting or trapping license. Provides that youth licensed shall not hunt or trap or carry a hunting or trapping device, including, but not limited to, a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow unless the youth is accompanied by and under the close personal supervision of an adult (rather than a parent, grandparent, or guardian) who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois hunting or trapping license. Provides that if a youth has a valid certificate of competency for hunting or trapping approved by the Department of Natural Resources, he or she is exempt from supervision requirements. Eliminates provision providing that before a trapping license shall be issued to any person under the age of sixteen years, the person shall obtain the written consent of his father, mother, or legally constituted guardian to obtain the license. Defines "youth". Makes conforming changes.

Actions of HB 4783 : 

• 2/13/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Avery Bourne 
• 2/13/2018 House First Reading 
• 2/13/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee 
• 2/26/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/6/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 013-000-000
• 3/7/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Severin 
• 3/8/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 
• 4/10/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate 
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/11/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000 
• 4/12/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate 
• 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 17, 2018
• 4/18/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver 4/18/2018SenateFirst Reading
• 4/18/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments 
• 4/25/2018 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments 
• 4/25/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 26, 2018
• 5/8/2018 Senate Second Reading 
• 5/8/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 9, 2018 
• 5/17/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000 
• 5/17/2018 House Passed Both Houses
•  6/15/2018 House Sent to the Governor

HB 4759 - Wildlife - Duck Blind or Pit - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Terri Bryant
Filed: HB 4759 on 2/13/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person shall not establish or use a blind or pit for the taking of wild ducks within 100 yards of the boundary of property on which the blind or pit is located without consent from the landowner of the adjacent property. Provides that the provision only applies to property located in Alexander County, Union County, Williamson County, or Jackson County. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

• 2/13/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Terri Bryant
• 2/13/2018 House First Reading
• 2/13/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee