HB 307

Abstract

Creates the Illinois Conservation Corps Act. Provides year-round conservation employment within the Department of Natural Resources for young adults in Illinois. Subject to appropriation, entitles enrollees in the Corps to a stipend of $500 per month and a maximum of $5,000 per year in education awards. Provides that no project of the Corps may displace individuals employed by or under contract with the Department. Creates the Illinois Conservation Corps Advisory Board to advise the Department concerning the Corps. Establishes the Illinois Conservation Corps Fund, a special fund in the State treasury. Authorizes the Department to use the moneys in the Fund only for the purposes of the Corps and provides that no more than 5% of the moneys in the Fund may be used for costs associated with the administration of the Corps. Authorizes the Fund to accept State and federal appropriations, gifts, grants, and private donations. Prohibits the Governor from making any transfers from the Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to prohibit the Governor from making any transfers from the Illinois Conservation Corps Fund. Amends the Illinois Youth and Young Adult Employment Act of 1986 to rename the Illinois Conservation Corps as the Youth and Young Adult Conservation Employment Program. Makes corresponding changes. Amends the Personnel Code, the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, and the Illinois Pension Code to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.