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HB 3550

Relating to an exemption for certain minor league baseball players from certain laws governing employment conditions.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dacia Grayber and 1 co-sponsor

Fees and civil penalties under the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act are redirected from the State Boating Act Fund to the Water Resources Fund for uses under the Environmental Protec

Chapter 156, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 3550

Summary: HB 3550 (104th GA) — Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act — deposit of fees into Water Resources Fund

Note on title discrepancy

The bill file lists a title about minor‑league baseball employment exemptions, but the bill text (LRB10410959LNS21041b) amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act (615 ILCS 5/) regarding where penalty and permit application fees are deposited. This summary addresses the statutory amendments actually contained in the text.

Purpose and intent

HB 3550 redirects certain civil penalty receipts and permit application fees collected under the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act from the State Boating Act Fund to the Water Resources Fund, and clarifies how those moneys may be used and administered.

Key provisions

  • Amends 615 ILCS 5/26a (civil penalties):

    • Confirms the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may issue remedial orders and impose civil penalties for violations.
    • Specifies a civil penalty of up to twice the applicable permit fee, but not to exceed $5,000 per violation.
    • Requires penalty payments to be deposited into the Water Resources Fund (instead of the State Boating Act Fund).
    • States the deposited moneys may be used for purposes authorized under Section 59.14 of the Environmental Protection Act.
    • Provides that these moneys shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by law.

  • Amends 615 ILCS 5/35 (permit fees):

    • Confirms the DNR may charge permit application fees of up to $5,000 per application and set specific fees by administrative rule.
    • Directs that permit application fees collected under the Act be deposited in the Water Resources Fund (rather than the State Boating Act Fund).
    • States permit applications will not be processed until the fee is paid.
    • Provides that monies deposited into the Water Resources Fund under this section are not subject to administrative charges or chargebacks.

Who is affected

  • Department of Natural Resources: administrative and budgetary treatment of fee and penalty revenue changes.
  • Permit applicants and regulated parties under the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act: fee payment and exposure to civil penalties remains, but proceeds go to a different fund.
  • State Boating Act Fund and Water Resources Fund: revenue streams shift from the former to the latter, potentially affecting boating‑related program budgets and Water Resources programs funded under Section 59.14 of the Environmental Protection Act.

Procedural / timeline details

  • Introduced: Feb 18, 2025
  • Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor (Chapter 156, 2025 Laws)
  • Governor signed: May 27, 2025
  • Effective date: January 1, 2026

Potential impact

  • Fiscal: shifts fee and penalty revenues away from the State Boating Act Fund to the Water Resources Fund, which could reduce boating fund resources and increase funding available for water resources and related EPA Section 59.14 purposes.
  • Administrative: preserves collected funds from routine administrative chargebacks, keeping them available for authorized programmatic uses unless otherwise specified by law.

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

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