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HB 1873

PUBLIC ACCESS-NAVIGABLE WATERS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1873 clarifies public access rights to Illinois navigable waters, balancing recreational use with private property considerations.

Removed Co-Sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer
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Bill Summary · HB 1873

Legislative bill overview

HB 1873 addresses public access rights to navigable waters in Illinois by clarifying or expanding the legal framework governing how the public can use waterways. The bill has attracted bipartisan co-sponsorship and has undergone committee review, indicating ongoing refinement of its language and scope.

Why is this important

Water access affects recreational activities (fishing, boating, swimming), property rights, and environmental stewardship across Illinois. The bill's focus on navigable waters specifically targets waterways with commercial or recreational significance, making it relevant to both lakefront and riverfront communities statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Riparian property owner concerns: Clarifying public access rights may conflict with private landowners' property rights and privacy expectations, particularly along residential waterfront areas
  • Definition and scope disputes: "Navigable waters" has varying legal interpretations; ambiguity could create disputes about which waterways qualify and what public access actually entails
  • Implementation and enforcement: Establishing who monitors compliance and how public access is physically managed (parking, facilities, liability) requires additional resources and coordination

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

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