HB2461 Summary

• Establishes permit requirement for nuisance wildlife control operators charging fees or compensation, with authority granted to individuals, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations under Section 2.37(b).

• Expands beaver control authority for drainage districts while clarifying restrictions: permits not required when acting without compensation, but subcontractors must possess valid permits and records must be maintained for 2 years.

• Adds criminal penalties including Class A misdemeanor and minimum $500 fine for operating nuisance wildlife control without required permit; allows additional civil penalty up to $1,500.

• Allocates civil penalties from nuisance wildlife violations: 60% to Conservation Police Operations Assistance Fund and 40% to Illinois Habitat Fund.

• Modifies trapping regulations to allow individuals (in addition to drainage districts) to disturb beaver structures when acting under Section 2.37 authority or per administrative rule.