HB 2425

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Provides that a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required if a federal conservation agreement, including, but not limited to, a candidate conservation agreement, habitat conservation plan, or safe harbor agreement that includes conservation practices conducted in the State in effect and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Provides that incidental taking of species that are listed as endangered or threatened by the State only and not listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall follow the provisions under the Act. Provides that of the remaining appointed members, one member shall be a landowner representing the State's largest general farm organization. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 520 ILCS 10/5.5 520 ILCS 10/6 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Provides that a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required: (1) on land that is subject to and for activities that are implemented in compliance with a federal Candidate Conservation Agreement or Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973; or (2) for covered conservation practices conducted in this State within a federal program authorized under a Conference Report under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 on land subject to that program. Provides that upon an automatic listing of a federally-listed species, the Endangered Species Protection Board shall immediately publish a notice for a public hearing and conduct a hearing within 14 days of the automatic listing. Provides that the listing, delisting, or change of listing status for any non-federally listed species shall be made only after a public hearing. Effective immediately.