SB3908 Summary

• Restructured the 13-member Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources with specified representation: at least 2 hunting/fishing, 2 natural areas protection, 2 urban conservation, 1 parks/recreation, 1 outdoor powersport, 1 trapper association member, 1 forestry, and 3 general residents, with Governor-appointed chair.

• Abolished all existing board member terms effective August 1, 2022, and established new staggered 3-year terms with appointments designated to expire on the third Monday of January 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Expanded the Advisory Board's advisory role to include recommendations on forest and woodland restoration, ecosystem services, species of greatest conservation need, conservation education, innovative partnerships, grant programs, and law and policy development.

• Removed the requirement for Natural Resources Advisory Board approval for waterfowl season changes and eliminated requirement for public meetings conducted by the Board prior to grant approval under the Illinois Open Land Trust Act.

• Removed provisions regarding the Board's study of departmental personnel structure and merit systems, and changed the Board's land acquisition review from making mandatory studies to providing optional advice.