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HB 3748

IDOT-HOMELESS CAMPS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Spain

Transfers IDOT homeless encampment sites to DNR and treats them as campgrounds under the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act, charging users camping fees.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3748

Summary — HB 3748 (IDOT — Homeless Camps)

Sponsor: Rep. Ryan Spain
Code reference added: 20 ILCS 2705/2705-627 (Department of Transportation Law)
Introduced: Feb 18, 2025 (filed Mar 4, 2025)
Status (per provided info): Referred to Rules Committee; companion bill SB 1528

Purpose

HB 3748 directs the State to reclassify and transfer certain Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) properties that have become long-term homeless encampments, placing them under the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and treating those parcels as campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 2705-627 to the Department of Transportation Law (20 ILCS 2705).
  • Triggers: when IDOT-owned property (other than roadways) has been used as an encampment for people experiencing homelessness for 30 days or more.
  • Required action: IDOT must transfer the affected property to the Department of Natural Resources within 30 days of that 30-day encampment threshold.
  • Once transferred, the site is to be treated as a campground under the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act, including charging “all applicable camping fees” to people using the site.

Who would be affected

  • People experiencing homelessness using encampments on IDOT-owned land (non-roadway parcels) — would be subject to campground rules and applicable fees.
  • IDOT — required to identify qualifying encampments and transfer property to DNR.
  • Department of Natural Resources — would assume jurisdiction and management responsibilities for transferred sites and apply campground licensing and fee structures.
  • Local governments, service providers, and law enforcement — may be involved in implementation, enforcement, and coordination for services, sanitation, and public safety.
  • State budget/taxpayers — potential administrative, maintenance, or litigation costs; offset by any collected fees.

Timeline / procedural notes

  • Trigger: property in continuous use as an encampment for 30 days.
  • Transfer requirement: within 30 days after that trigger.
  • Legislative status: introduced in early 2025; the provided legislative history shows committee hearings and actions in spring 2025 and lists the bill as placed on calendars and considered in committee. A companion Senate bill is SB 1528.

Potential practical impacts and considerations

  • Administrative logistics: identifying qualifying sites, completing property transfers, and establishing campground infrastructure (sanitation, water, safety).
  • Legal and policy issues: applying campground licenses and fees to people experiencing homelessness may raise equity and constitutional concerns and could prompt litigation or policy debate.
  • Costs and capacity: DNR would need resources to manage new sites; charging fees may not fully cover maintenance or social-service needs.
  • Displacement and services: transferring and reclassifying sites may affect continuity of services, outreach, and housing placements for people living in encampments.

This summary describes the bill as written; implementation details (rules, appropriations, and related statutory changes) would influence real-world effects.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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