IL HB0255

Creates the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, to provide conservation education and employment opportunities in state parks, recreational facilities, and public lands

Limits program eligibility to Illinois citizens ages 15 through 25 at the time of enrollment

Authorizes grants to local governments and non-profit entities in Illinois for conservation education and youth employment, as well as Department internship opportunities and job training programs

Requires interns to receive at least the state minimum wage, with commuting time limited to 1.5 hours unless the intern agrees to more; interns are not classified as state employees for retirement system purposes

Mandates cooperation from the Illinois State Board of Education, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Department of Employment Security, and Illinois State Job Coordinating Council in implementing the program