IL HB2488

Authorizes the Department to establish and operate nurseries to produce and distribute plants and plant materials for conservation purposes including wildlife habitat, erosion control, reforestation, and educational programs.

Allows the Department to sell plants as liner stock to the Illinois Green Industry Association through a memorandum of understanding, expanding permitted uses beyond traditional conservation purposes.

Requires the Department to sell plants and materials to individual landowners, government agencies, civic groups, and the general public at prices approximately equal to the cost of acquisition, production, and distribution rather than providing them without charge.

Permits the Department to charge fees for trees, shrubs, and flower seeds provided to persons or groups establishing conservation plantings, and allows the sale of products derived from distributed plants such as Christmas trees and roundwood.

Prohibits plants distributed by the State from being resold, bartered, or given away with roots attached unless authorized through a memorandum of understanding with the Illinois Green Industry Association for liner stock sales.