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HB 2569

WILDLIFE CD-SKUNKS & RACCOONS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Murri Briel

Allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to treat and release striped skunks and raccoons removed under nuisance control, with DNR rules for safe release.

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Bill Summary · HB 2569

Summary — HB 2569 (Wildlife: Striped Skunks & Raccoons)

Note on sources: The packet provided includes text from two different pieces of legislation that share the identifier “HB 2569” (one Arizona real‑estate bill and one Illinois wildlife bill). This summary focuses on the Illinois Wildlife Code amendment (titled and described in the packet as relating to striped skunks and raccoons), which matches the bill title shown: “WILDLIFE CD‑SKUNKS & RACCOONS.” Where available, procedural actions and sponsors from the packet are noted.

Main purpose

To authorize licensed wildlife rehabilitators to treat and release striped skunks and raccoons that were removed under nuisance/wildlife‑control authority, and to require the Department of Natural Resources to adopt implementing rules.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 2.37 of the Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/2.37).
  • Adds explicit authorization that striped skunks and raccoons removed under the Department’s nuisance/wildlife control authority may be rehabilitated by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for treatment and subsequent release.
  • Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to set reasonable requirements for the release of rehabilitated striped skunks and raccoons to protect public health, welfare, and safety.
  • Requires the DNR to adopt rules implementing this amendment (the bill text indicates the Department shall adopt rules and, in earlier draft language, referred to a one‑year timeframe to adopt rules).
  • Leaves intact existing statutory provisions that authorize landowners/tenants (and permittees) to remove or destroy wildlife causing damage and the associated permitting, reporting, and disposition procedures (e.g., investigation, permit terms, reporting of take and disposition).

Who is affected

  • Licensed wildlife rehabilitators — gain explicit statutory authority to accept, treat, and release striped skunks and raccoons removed under nuisance control.
  • Landowners, tenants, and nuisance wildlife control permittees — their removals may now be routed to rehabilitators rather than automatic destruction in eligible cases.
  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources — required to adopt implementing rules and set release standards.
  • Public health and animal control officials — may be involved in rule standards addressing disease risk (e.g., rabies) and public safety.
  • Wildlife (striped skunks and raccoons) — potentially fewer animals destroyed and more rehabilitated and released where appropriate.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Conservation/animal welfare: Enables rescue and potential population retention where animals are healthy and releasable.
  • Public health & safety: DNR rulemaking can impose release and testing requirements to mitigate disease risks; rules will be important to balance rehabilitation with public safety concerns.
  • Administrative: DNR must develop and implement rules; rehabilitation programs may need resources, protocols, and coordination with nuisance control operators.
  • Enforcement/operations: Nuisance wildlife control procedures and disposition reporting remain relevant; practitioners will need clarity on transfer/handling and documentation.

Procedural status & sponsors (from provided packet)

  • Illinois: Introduced 02/04/2025 by Rep. Amy Briel. Referred to Rules Committee (other committee actions listed in packet). Readings and committee referrals noted through March 2025.
  • The packet also contains unrelated Arizona HB 2569 text (real estate statutes) introduced by Representative Gail Griffin; that material is separate and not part of the Illinois Wildlife Code amendment described here.

If you want, I can:
- Extract the exact amended statutory language of 520 ILCS 5/2.37 as proposed,
- Track current bill status in the Illinois General Assembly, or
- Draft a short briefing on likely rule elements the DNR may adopt (testing, quarantine, release criteria).

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

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