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HB 5165

RIVER ACCESS MODERNIZATION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 7 co-sponsors

Illinois modernizes public river access rights and recreational use policies through updated legal framework addressing landowner conflicts and current usage patterns.

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Bill Summary · HB 5165

Legislative bill overview

HB 5165, the River Access Modernization Act, modernizes Illinois's framework for public river access rights and recreational use policies. The bill passed out of the Agriculture & Conservation Committee with amendments on March 24, 2026, after navigating amendment procedures in the Rules Committee.

Why is this important

River access affects recreational opportunities, property rights, and economic activity for fishing, boating, and tourism industries across Illinois. The modernization addresses outdated statutes that may not reflect current usage patterns, environmental concerns, or conflicts between public access advocates and private riverfront property owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner rights vs. public access: Balancing the modernized public access framework against riverside landowners' property rights and liability concerns
  • Amendment scope and specifics: The adopted House Committee Amendment No. 1 substantively altered the bill; the specific changes are not publicly detailed, raising questions about what protections or restrictions were added
  • Implementation costs and local responsibility: Determining whether municipalities or the state bear costs for access point maintenance, signage, and safety infrastructure

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

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