HB2690 Summary

• Allows veterans and active duty military members to apply for fee waivers at the Department of Natural Resources either in-person at the Springfield office or through the Department's website (previously only available in-person).

• Requires service members applying for camping fee waivers to do so within 2 years after returning from active duty service abroad or mobilization.

• Permits active duty military members who are Illinois residents and entered the Armed Forces from Illinois to hunt without a license, removing the previous requirement that they be on ordinary leave.

• Establishes that each year of active duty service qualifies returning military members for one free hunting license, one free fishing license, one free Deer Hunting Permit, and one free State Habitat Stamp; partial years of service count as full years.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.