HB 6707

Abstract

Amends the State Parks Act, the State Finance Act, and the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to lease to the Vermilion county Conservation District, for one dollar, Kickapoo State Park, Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area, and Middlefork State Fish and Wildlife Area for their operation and management for 2 years. Requires a specified level of State appropriations for the District's use, and authorizes the District to retain revenues generated by the parks. Permits lease renewals. Creates a special fund in the State treasury for appropriations for the parks, and exempts the fund from fund sweeps. Provides that a Department employee assigned to Kickapoo State Park who then works for the Vermilion county Conservation District during the lease and subsequently returns to employment with the Department (i) retains his or her prior seniority within the Department and (ii) may apply for transfer of retirement fund creditable service accumulated during employment with the conservation district. Effective immediately.