DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD

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. Senate 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. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 1, and makes the following changes: In provisions concerning members of the Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources, provides that one member of the Board shall represent outdoor powersport usage interests, one shall be a member of a statewide association of trappers and represent trapping interests, and 3 members of the Board, whose interests are not otherwise specified, shall be residents of this State. In provisions concerning formulation and presentation of recommendations by the Board, removes the conservation of privately owned land from the category of protection and conservation of renewable resources of the State. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in Senate Bill 3908; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This legislation will not increase or decrease the number of judges needed in the state of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) SB 3908, as engrossed, will not impact any public pension fund or retirement system in the State of Illinois. State Debt Impact Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) SB 3908, as engrossed, would not change the amount of authorization for any type of State-issued bond, and, therefore, would not affect the level of State indebtedness. Fiscal Note (Dept. of Natural Resources) There is no financial impact expected for DNR from this bill and its amendments to date. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to Senate Bill 3908, as amended by Senate Amendment 2 as it is not a supplemental appropriation that increases or decreases appropriations. Under the Act, a balanced budget note must be prepared only for bills that change a general funds appropriation for the fiscal year in which the new bill is enacted. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) SB 3908 does not create a State Mandate under the State Mandates Act.