HB 255

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Forestry Development Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 525 ILCS 15/1 Adds reference to: New Act 30 ILCS 500/1-10 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Youth and Young Adult Conservation Education Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to establish a Youth and Young Adult Conservation Program in order to provide educational and employment opportunities to youth and young adults of this State while furthering the development and maintenance of the State's natural resources. Sets out various programmatic requirements. Specifies that the Department of Natural Resources is to have the full cooperation of various other State agencies in carrying out the Act. Specifies that funding for the Act and its programs are to be provided by State and federal funds. Authorizes the Department to enter into agreements to implement the Act. Grants the Department rulemaking authority to implement and administer the Act. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 30 ILCS 500/1-10 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Establishes the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program (rather than the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Program). Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall administer the Program. Provides that grants under the Act are limited to units of local government and non-profit entities located in the State of Illinois that provide conservation education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults of this State. Provides that the Program is subject to appropriation. Adds education and internships to purposes within the Program. Changes references to enrollees to references to interns. Defines terms. Changes references to the Director to references to the Department. Removes changes to the Illinois Procurement Code. Makes other changes. Repeals the Act on June 30, 2029.