IL HB3757

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code to expand the definition of violations to include possession of aquatic life parts, not just whole specimens, when captured or killed for profit or commercial purposes.

Establishes felony charges based on total value of aquatic life: Class 3 felony for violations involving $300 or more in value, Class 4 felony for multiple violations within 90 days totaling $300 or more, and Class A misdemeanor for violations under $300.

Creates prima facie evidence of commercial possession when aquatic life valued at $600 or more is possessed in violation of the Code.

Adds bowfin and paddlefish to the list of protected species valued at $4 per pound (or fraction thereof) when weighing one pound or more, matching the valuation tier for muskellunge, pike, walleye, trout, salmon, sturgeon, and bass species.

Removes bowfin from the lower-value ($1 per pound) category in subsection (c)(5), reflecting its reclassification to the premium species tier.