Bill
HB 1867
HB 1867 restricts government entry on private land by game wardens—requires a warrant or owner consent, with civil remedies for violations.
Note on source material and status
- The materials provided for “HB 1867” appear to combine text from more than one jurisdiction and more than one bill. Two distinct bill texts are present: (A) an Arkansas bill titled the “No Government Trespassing Act” (amending Ark. Code Title 15, Ch. 41), and (B) an Illinois revenue bill that amends the Property Tax Code (Low‑Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption) and the Energy Assistance Act. The header metadata (title referencing bonds for Noxubee County) does not match the substantive texts. The file indicates the bill(s) ultimately “Died In Committee.” Readers should verify the correct jurisdiction and final status with the relevant legislative clerk or online bill tracker.
Below are concise summaries of each distinct text found in the file.
1) Arkansas version — “No Government Trespassing Act”
- Purpose / intent: To restrict game wardens’ authority to enter private land and to create civil remedies where entry is unlawful.
- Key provisions:
- Adds a new Subchapter 4 (15‑41‑401 to 15‑41‑404) to Ark. Code Title 15, Ch. 41, styled the “No Government Trespassing Act.”
- Prohibits game wardens from entering private land while performing duties unless they have:
- a warrant; or
- explicit or implied permission from the owner/lessee.
- Exception: a warden may enter without permission if probable cause exists that immediate action is necessary for injured/distressed wildlife, an emergency, an accident, or an imminent threat to public safety on the private land.
- Evidence and enforcement: Evidence obtained via searches/seizures that violate this subchapter is inadmissible in administrative or judicial proceedings; arrests or property seizures based on such unlawful searches are invalid.
- Immunity and civil relief: Game wardens are not immune from suit for violations. Persons injured by violations may sue under the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 (§16‑123‑101 et seq.) seeking declaratory/injunctive relief, compensatory and nominal damages, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
- Who is affected: State game wardens, private landowners/lessees in Arkansas, law enforcement oversight, and wildlife enforcement procedures.
- Procedural/timeline note: The Arkansas text shows introduction language dated Dec 2024 / Jan 2025 in the provided copy; final disposition indicated elsewhere as “Died In Committee.”
2) Illinois version — Revenue / Property Tax & Energy Assistance reforms
- Purpose / intent: To (a) modify the Low‑Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption by indexing the maximum income limitation to Social Security/SSI cost‑of‑living increases, and (b) amend eligibility and administration provisions of the State’s Energy Assistance Act.
- Key provisions (highlights):
- Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/15‑172): beginning taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the Low‑Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze is adjusted each year by the annual cost‑of‑living increase (if any) in Social Security and SSI that took effect during the immediately preceding calendar year. The Department of Revenue must compute and publish the new maximum by Feb 1 when increases occur.
- Energy Assistance Act (305 ILCS 20/6): sets/limits household eligibility levels for energy assistance. As amended in the provided text, the Department may not set limits higher than 150% of federal nonfarm poverty level or 60% of State median income for the fiscal year (various transitional/adjustment provisions and priority rules are included). The amendment details program payment rules, priority populations, emergency assistance, and allowable additional benefits (past‑due payments, weatherization, health/safety retrofits).
- Effective date: “Effective immediately” is noted in the synopsis.
- Who is affected: Low‑income senior homeowners seeking tax freeze benefits, low‑income households applying for energy assistance, State Departments of Revenue and Human Services, and program administrators.
- Procedural history (from provided actions): Numerous committee referrals, amendments, and co‑sponsors are listed (many with Illinois House names and amendment filings). The record in this file shows referrals, committee actions, and ultimately “Died In Committee” (verify with the Illinois General Assembly site for authoritative status).
Other procedural notes and recommendation
- The legislative actions and sponsor lists in the supplied material mix representatives from different states and include multiple filing/amendment dates. Because the file merges different legislative texts and chronologies, confirm the bill number, state (Arkansas vs. Illinois), and final status using the official legislative website or clerk for the appropriate General Assembly before relying on this summary for formal use.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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