IL HB3273

Department may issue a maximum of 5 commercial licenses (instead of shall issue) for taking yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule from Illinois waters of Lake Michigan

Commercial licenses issued under this section are valid for 3 years, with catch limits established by the Department applied equally to all active licensees

Department shall conduct public drawings at times determined by the Director to accept new qualified commercial fishing candidates and establish a ranking order to fill open Lake Michigan commercial fishing licenses

Ranking order from public drawings continues to be used until the list of eligible candidates is exhausted

Removes outdated provisions regarding licenses issued for the 1992 fishing year and the specific prioritization system based on the June 27, 1975 public lottery drawing