Bill
SB 1311
Creates an aquatic habitat conservation stamp and fund, dedicating stamp revenues to DNR for habitat restoration, invasive species control, and climate-change resilience.
Status / Sponsor
- Introduced Jan 28, 2025 by Sen. Laura Ellman (companion: HB 992).
- Enacted as Public Act 25‑116 (legislative history indicates passage in spring 2025 and implementation effective July 1, 2025).
Purpose
- Establish a new "aquatic habitat conservation stamp" and a dedicated fund to generate revenue for management, restoration, and protection of aquatic and riparian habitats in Illinois, to combat aquatic nuisance species, and to prepare for/mitigate climate change impacts (e.g., flooding, erosion, sedimentation).
Key provisions
- New stamp requirement: Adds an aquatic habitat conservation stamp to the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Any person who must obtain a resident or non‑resident fishing (or related aquatic life) license must also obtain this stamp. Individuals not required to have a license are exempt from the stamp requirement.
- Fund creation: Adds the Aquatic Habitat Conservation Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury. Fees derived solely from the sale of the aquatic habitat conservation stamps are deposited into this fund; interest earned remains in the fund.
- Use of proceeds: Appropriations from the Aquatic Habitat Conservation Fund are to be made solely to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and used only for:
1. Management, restoration, and protection of aquatic and riparian habitats;
2. Elimination of or protection from aquatic nuisance (invasive) species; and
3. Preparation for and protection from climate change effects (including increased risks of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation).
- Conforming changes: Amends multiple sections of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the State Finance Act to add definitions, require the stamp for non‑residents and residents where applicable, and to provide for deposit and accounting of revenues.
Who is affected
- Recreational fishers and others who obtain licenses under the Fish and Aquatic Life Code (resident and non‑resident license holders). The DNR will administer stamp issuance and manage appropriations.
- Potentially benefits conservation organizations, habitat restoration projects, invasive species control programs, and communities affected by climate‑driven aquatic impacts through DNR‑directed spending.
Practical impact
- Creates a dedicated revenue stream aimed at improving aquatic/riparian ecosystem health and resilience.
- Likely results in a modest increase in total license cost for affected licensees (exact stamp fee not specified in the summary text).
- Provides DNR with restricted funds specifically targeted to aquatic habitat and invasive species priorities, improving program financing clarity and traceability.
Notes
- The bill adds statutory definitions and cross‑references in the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; administrative details (stamp fee amount, issuance mechanics, and exact implementation timing) are to be set or administered by DNR/implementing rules or elsewhere in statute.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
