IL SJR0060

Directs the Department of Natural Resources to maintain existing regulations in Part 3700 of Title 17 of the Illinois Administrative Code that preserve the Department's authority to regulate levees to protective standards.

Requires the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive review of floodplains to determine trends in how floodplain use impacts public safety, marginalized and poor communities, farm economics, fish and wildlife populations, natural resources, and water quality.

Mandates consultation with Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, Association of State Floodplain Managers, environmental organizations, city managers, minority population representatives, levee managers, Illinois Farm Bureau, and agricultural associations during the floodplain review.

Directs the Department of Natural Resources to make recommendations to the General Assembly on integrating floodplain programs to promote development and restoration activities that protect public safety for vulnerable populations, enhance the natural environment, and support flood-compatible economies.

References that floods caused $3 billion in property damage to Illinois residents between 2000 and 2018 and that poor and marginalized communities are disproportionately concentrated in flood-prone areas.