HB 5488

Abstract

Creates the Legacy Tree Program Task Force Act. Provides that the Legacy Tree Program Task Force shall establish recommendations to promote the identification, awareness, commemoration, and preservation of significant trees within the State. Sets forth provisions concerning the membership of the Task Force, compensation of members, support to the Task Force, and responsibilities of the Task Force. Provides that the Act is repealed on June 30, 2034. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Legacy Tree Program Task Force shall meet on a quarterly basis for 4 years after the effective date of the Act and shall, by no later than June 30, 2028, submit to the General Assembly, in accordance with the General Assembly Organization Act, a report that contains the final recommendations it develops. Directs the Legacy Tree Program Task Force to establish recommendations for the creation of a statewide legacy tree designation program to promote the identification, awareness, commemoration, and preservation of significant trees in the State. Adds members to the Task Force. Makes changes to provisions concerning the responsibilities of the Task Force. Makes technical changes. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill, as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. In a provision relating to the duties of the Legacy Tree Program Task Force, provides that the Legacy Tree Program Task Force shall establish recommendations for the creation of a statewide legacy tree recognition program (rather than a statewide legacy tree designation program). Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall provide staff and administrative support services to the Task Force and serve as the lead and chair agency of the Task Force (rather than the Department shall provide staff and administrative support services to the Task Force). In a provision related to responsibilities of the Task Force, provides that the Task Force shall establish recommendations for exploring funding sources for the operation and maintenance of the statewide legacy tree program (rather than for the maintenance of the statewide legacy tree program). Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. In a provision regarding the membership of the Legacy Tree Program Task Force, provides that the Legacy Tree Program Task Force shall include 2 representatives of 2 separate environmental organizations (rather than a representative of the Illinois Environmental Council and a representative of the Sierra Club), as well as a representative of a statewide organization representing park districts (rather than a representative of the Illinois Park District Association).