HB 4713

Abstract

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. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 5/5-560 rep. 20 ILCS 801/1-15 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 5/5-560 was 20 ILCS 5/6.08 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the term of all incumbent members of the Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources shall terminate on August 1, 2022, and, requires the Governor to make appointments to fill the vacancies. Adds a provision requiring the Board to formulate and present long range recommendations (instead of policies) in certain areas. Removes a requirement for the Board to make a study of the personnel structure of the Department and make recommendations to the Governor and Director of Natural Resources. Provides that the Board may advise on (instead of "shall make studies of") the land acquisition needs of the Department. Amends the Wildlife Code. Removes the provision permitting the Board to make recommendations to the Director of Natural Resources on reductions or increases of seasons, bag or possession limits, or closure of any season. Amends the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Removes a provision requiring approval of the Board for the Director to, by administrative rule, lengthen, shorten, or close the season. Removes a provision requiring the Department to consult with the Board in order to make grants or loans to units of government as authorized by the Act. Removes a provision requiring the Department to provide for a public meeting to be conducted by the Board prior to the Department approving grants to a unit of local government for the acquisition of open space and natural land. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the term of all incumbent members of the Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources shall terminate on August 1, 2022, and requires the Governor to make appointments to fill the vacancies. Adds a provision requiring the Board to formulate and present long-range recommendations (instead of policies) in certain areas. Removes a requirement for the Board to make a study of the personnel structure of the Department and make recommendations to the Governor and Director of Natural Resources. Provides that the Board may advise on (instead of "shall make studies of") the land acquisition needs of the Department. Amends the Wildlife Code. Removes the provision permitting the Board to make recommendations to the Director of Natural Resources on reductions or increases of seasons, bag or possession limits, or closure of any season. Amends the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Removes a provision requiring approval of the Board for the Director, by administrative rule, to lengthen, shorten, or close the season. Removes a provision requiring the Department to consult with the Board in order to make grants or loans to units of government as authorized by the Act. Removes a provision requiring the Department to provide for a public meeting to be conducted by the Board prior to the Department approving grants to a unit of local government for the acquisition of open space and natural land.