Public Act 0837 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB3184 Enrolled LRB102 22923 CMG 32077 b

Public Act 102-0837

AN ACT concerning animals.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 805-535 as follows:

(20 ILCS 805/805-535) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.2)

Sec. 805-535. Conservation Police Officers. In addition to the arrest powers prescribed by law, Conservation Police Officers are conservators of the peace and as such have all powers possessed by policemen, except that they may exercise those powers anywhere in this State. Conservation Police Officers acting under the authority of this Section are considered employees of the Department and are subject to its direction, benefits, and legal protection.

Any person hired by the Department of Natural Resources after July 1, 2022 2001 for a sworn law enforcement position or position that has arrest authority must meet the following minimum professional standards:

(1) At the time of hire, the person must be not less than 21 years of age, or 20 years of age and have successfully completed an associate's degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university. Any person hired after successful completion of an associate's degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university shall not have power of arrest, nor shall he or she be permitted to carry firearms, until he or she reaches 21 years of age; hold (i) a 2-year degree and 3 consecutive years of experience as a police officer with the same law enforcement agency or (ii) a 4-year degree.

(2) The person must possess the skill level and demonstrate the ability to swim at a competency level approved by the Department in an administrative rule; and . The Department's administrative rule must require the person to use techniques established by the American Red Cross.

(3) The person must successfully obtain certification pursuant to the Illinois Police Training Act as a police officer under the standards in effect at that time unless that person already holds that certification and must also successfully complete the Conservation Police Academy training program, consisting of not less than 400 hours of training, within one year of hire.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, all persons who meet one of the following requirements are deemed to have met the collegiate education requirements: either

(i) have been honorably discharged and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by the United States Armed Forces; or

(ii) are active members of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty; , are deemed to have met the collegiate educational requirements for a sworn law enforcement position or position that has arrest authority.

(iii) have been honorably discharged and served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty; or

(iv) have at least 3 years of full active and continuous military duty and received an honorable discharge before hiring.

The Department of Natural Resources must adopt an administrative rule listing those disciplines that qualify as directly related areas of study and must also adopt, by listing, the American Red Cross standards and testing points for a skill level equivalent to an intermediate level swimmer.

(Source: P.A. 96-972, eff. 7-2-10; 97-948, eff. 8-13-12.)

Section 10. The Herptiles-Herps Act is amended by changing Section 70-5 as follows:

(510 ILCS 68/70-5)

Sec. 70-5. Suspension of privileges and revocation of permits. A person who does not hold a Herptile Special Use permit or Limited Entry permit and who violates a provision of this Act, or an administrative rule authorized under this Act, or a provision of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing of any herptile protected by this Act, when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, shall have his or her privileges under this Act suspended for a period to be set by administrative rule. Department suspensions and revocations shall be addressed by administrative rule.

A person who holds a Herptile Special Use permit or Limited Entry permit and who violates a provision the provisions of this Act, an administrative rule authorized under this Act, or a provision of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing of any herptile protected by this Act, when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, shall have his or her permit revoked and permit privileges under this Act suspended for a period to be set by administrative rule. Department suspensions and revocations shall be addressed by administrative rule.

A person whose privileges or permit to possess a special use herptile have been suspended or revoked may appeal that decision in accordance with the provisions set forth in administrative rule.

(Source: P.A. 102-315, eff. 1-1-22.)

Section 15. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code is amended by changing Sections 5-20, 10-80, 10-140, 20-45, and 20-105 and by adding Sections 1-17, 1-18, and 1-26 as follows:

(515 ILCS 5/1-17 new)

Sec. 1-17. Air rifle. "Air rifle" means an air gun, air pistol, spring gun, gas gun, spring pistol, B-B gun, pellet gun, or any implement that is not a firearm and propels a singular globular projectile or pellet constructed of steel, lead, or other hard materials by the use of compressed air, compressed gas, or spring power.

(515 ILCS 5/1-18 new)

Sec. 1-18. Angling methods. "Angling methods" means the action of sport fishing by hook and line.

(515 ILCS 5/1-26 new)

Sec. 1-26. Blow gun. "Blow gun" means a weapon, hunting, or fishing device consisting of a tube through which an arrow, dart, or projectile is propelled by force of the breath of a person.

(515 ILCS 5/5-20) (from Ch. 56, par. 5-20)

Sec. 5-20. Taking aquatic life on private property. Any person taking or attempting to take aquatic life by means of any device within waters other than public waters of the State shall first obtain the consent of the owner, or tenant, or designee of the owner or tenant of the premises where the taking is done or attempted to be done. In addition, the persons taking or attempting to take aquatic life on another's property shall do so in a manner that does not cause wanton or careless injury to or destruction of any real or personal property on the premises.

It shall be prima facie evidence that a person does not have the consent of the owner or tenant if the person is unable to demonstrate to the law enforcement officer in the field that consent had been obtained. This provision may only be rebutted by testimony of the owner or tenant that consent had been given. Before enforcing this Section, the law enforcement officer must have received notice from the owner or tenant of a violation of this Section. Statements made to the law enforcement officer regarding this notice shall not be rendered inadmissible by the hearsay rule when offered for the purpose of showing the required notice.

(Source: P.A. 87-114; 87-833; 87-895.)

(515 ILCS 5/10-80) (from Ch. 56, par. 10-80)

Sec. 10-80. Illegal methods of taking. Except as otherwise authorized in this Code or administrative rule, it It shall be unlawful to take any aquatic life except by angling methods. Illegal methods include, but are not limited to, the use of electricity or any electrical device; a lime, acid, medical, chemical, or mechanical compound or dope of any medicated drug; any drug or any fishberry; any dynamite, giant powder, nitro glycerine, or other explosives; or by means of a snare, treated grain, firearms of any kind, air rifle or blow gun or gas gun, wire basket, wire seine, wire net, wire trotline, or limb lines of any kind.

(Source: P.A. 87-833.)

(515 ILCS 5/10-140) (from Ch. 56, par. 10-140)

Sec. 10-140. Dip nets, casting nets, and shad scoops.

(a) Any individual possessing a valid sport fishing license may use a dip net, casting net, or shad scoop to take certain species carp, buffalo, carpsuckers, or shad for personal consumption. The taking of aquatic life these fish with a dip net, casting net, or shad scoop shall not be permitted within 100 feet of the base of any dam.

(b) Dip nets may be used to take carp, buffalo, carpsuckers, or shad for personal consumption.

(c) Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) may be taken with a casting net or shad scoop and used for bait on the body of water where they are collected if they are killed immediately.

(d) Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), skipjack herring (Alosa chrysochloris), carp (other than bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)), and any other fish listed in Section 10-110 of this Code may be taken with a casting net or shad scoop and used for live or dead bait on the body of water where they are collected.

(e) All casting nets shall not be (1) larger than 24 feet in diameter or (2) of a mesh larger than 1 inch bar measurement. All shad scoops shall not be (1) larger than 30 inches in diameter, (2) of a mesh not larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement, or (3) longer than 4 feet in length.

(f) Fish taken by this means listed in this Section shall not be sold or bartered. Except as otherwise provided by law, the taking of game fish by dip net without a commercial license shall be a petty offense punishable by a minimum fine of $100, plus confiscation of illegally used equipment under Article 1 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 89-66, eff. 1-1-96.)

(515 ILCS 5/20-45) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-45)

Sec. 20-45. License fees for residents. Fees for licenses for residents of the State of Illinois shall be as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, for sport fishing devices as defined in Section 10-95 or spearing devices as defined in Section 10-110, the fee is $14.50 for individuals 16 to 64 years old, one-half of the current fishing license fee for individuals age 65 or older, and, commencing with the 2012 license year, one-half of the current fishing license fee for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States. Veterans must provide, to the Department at one of the Department's 5 regional offices, verification of their service. The Department shall establish what constitutes suitable verification of service for the purpose of issuing fishing licenses to resident veterans at a reduced fee.

(a-5) The fee for all sport fishing licenses shall be $1 for residents over 75 years of age.

(b) All residents before using any commercial fishing device shall obtain a commercial fishing license, the fee for which shall be $60 and a resident fishing license, the fee for which is $14.50. Each and every commercial device used shall be licensed by a resident commercial fisherman as follows:

(1) For each 100 lineal yards, or fraction thereof, of seine the fee is $18. For each minnow seine, minnow trap, or net for commercial purposes the fee is $20.

(2) For each device to fish with a 100 hook trot line device, basket trap, hoop net, or dip net the fee is $3.

(3) When used in the waters of Lake Michigan, for the first 2000 lineal feet, or fraction thereof, of gill net the fee is $10; and for each 1000 additional lineal feet, or fraction thereof, the fee is $10. These fees shall apply to all gill nets in use in the water or on drying reels on the shore.

(4) For each 100 lineal yards, or fraction thereof, of gill net or trammel net the fee is $18.

(c) Residents of the State of Illinois may obtain a sportsmen's combination license that shall entitle the holder to the same non-commercial fishing privileges as residents holding a license as described in subsection (a) of this Section and to the same hunting privileges as residents holding a license to hunt all species as described in Section 3.1 of the Wildlife Code. No sportsmen's combination license shall be issued to any individual who would be ineligible for either the fishing or hunting license separately. The sportsmen's combination license fee shall be $25.50. For residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a sportsmen's combination license. For resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee, commencing with the 2012 license year, is one-half of the fee charged for a sportsmen's combination license. Veterans must provide to the Department, at one of the Department's 5 regional offices, verification of their service. The Department shall establish what constitutes suitable verification of service for the purpose of issuing sportsmen's combination licenses to resident veterans at a reduced fee.

(d) For 24 hours of fishing by sport fishing devices as defined in Section 10-95 or by spearing devices as defined in Section 10-110 the fee is $5. This license does not exempt the licensee from the requirement for a salmon or inland trout stamp. The licenses provided for by this subsection are not required for residents of the State of Illinois who have obtained the license provided for in subsection (a) of this Section.

(e) All residents before using any commercial mussel device shall obtain a commercial mussel license, the fee for which shall be $50.

(f) Residents of this State, upon establishing residency as required by the Department, may obtain a lifetime hunting or fishing license or lifetime sportsmen's combination license which shall entitle the holder to the same non-commercial fishing privileges as residents holding a license as described in paragraph (a) of this Section and to the same hunting privileges as residents holding a license to hunt all species as described in Section 3.1 of the Wildlife Code. No lifetime sportsmen's combination license shall be issued to or retained by any individual who would be ineligible for either the fishing or hunting license separately, either upon issuance, or in any year a violation would subject an individual to have either or both fishing or hunting privileges rescinded. The lifetime hunting and fishing license fees shall be as follows:

(1) Lifetime fishing: 30 x the current fishing license fee.

(2) Lifetime hunting: 30 x the current hunting license fee.

(3) Lifetime sportsmen's combination license: 30 x the current sportsmen's combination license fee.

Lifetime licenses shall not be refundable. A $10 fee shall be charged for reissuing any lifetime license. The Department may establish rules and regulations for the issuance and use of lifetime licenses and may suspend or revoke any lifetime license issued under this Section for violations of those rules or regulations or other provisions under this Code, or the Wildlife Code, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any fish or aquatic life protected by this Code or the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any fauna protected by the Wildlife Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois. Individuals under 16 years of age who possess a lifetime hunting or sportsmen's combination license shall have in their possession, while in the field, a certificate of competency as required under Section 3.2 of the Wildlife Code. Any lifetime license issued under this Section shall not exempt individuals from obtaining additional stamps or permits required under the provisions of this Code or the Wildlife Code. Individuals required to purchase additional stamps shall sign the stamps and have them in their possession while fishing or hunting with a lifetime license. All fees received from the issuance of lifetime licenses shall be deposited in the Fish and Wildlife Endowment Fund.

Except for licenses issued under subsection (e) of this Section, all licenses provided for in this Section shall expire on March 31 of each year, except that the license provided for in subsection (d) of this Section shall expire 24 hours after the effective date and time listed on the face of the license.

All individuals required to have and failing to have the license provided for in subsection (a) or (d) of this Section shall be fined according to the provisions of Section 20-35 of this Code.

All individuals required to have and failing to have the licenses provided for in subsections (b) and (e) of this Section shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 97-498, eff. 4-1-12; 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13; 98-800, eff. 8-1-14.)

(515 ILCS 5/20-105) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-105)

Sec. 20-105. Revocation and suspension; refusal to issue.

(a) Whenever a license or permit is issued to any person under this Code and its holder is found guilty of any misrepresentation in obtaining the license or permit or of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of any of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any aquatic life protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the license or permit may be revoked by the Department and the Department may refuse to issue any permit or license to that person and may suspend the person from engaging in the activity requiring the permit or license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years following the revocation. Department revocation procedure shall be established by administrative rule.

(b) Whenever any person who has not been issued a license or a permit under the provisions of this Code is found guilty of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any aquatic life protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the Department may refuse to issue any permit or license to that person, and suspend that person from engaging in the activity requiring the permit or license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years.

(c) Any person who knowingly or intentionally violates any of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, during the 5 years following the revocation of his or her license or permit under subsection (a) or during the time he is suspended under subsection (b), shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor as provided in Section 20-35. The penalties for a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 shall be as provided in that Section.

(d) A person whose license or permit to engage in any activity regulated by this Code has been suspended or revoked may not, during the period of the suspension or revocation or until obtaining such a license or permit, (i) be in the company of any person engaging in the activity covered by the suspension or revocation or (ii) serve as a guide, outfitter, or facilitator for a person who is engaged or prepared to engage in the activity covered by the suspension or revocation.

(e) No person may be issued or obtain a license or permit or engage in any activity regulated by this Code during the time that the person's privilege to engage in the same or similar activities is suspended or revoked by another state, by a federal agency, or by a province of Canada.

(Source: P.A. 98-402, eff. 8-16-13.)

(515 ILCS 5/10-47 rep.)

(515 ILCS 5/10-45 rep.)

Section 20. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code is amended by repealing Sections 10-45 and 10-47.

Section 25. The Wildlife Code is amended by changing Sections 1.2j, 2.30, 2.33, 2.36a, 3.1, 3.1-2, 3.25, and 3.36 and by adding Section 1.2j-2 as follows:

(520 ILCS 5/1.2j) (from Ch. 61, par. 1.2j)

Sec. 1.2j. "Gun" means shotgun, rifle, handgun, or air rifle gun.

(Source: P.A. 81-382.)

(520 ILCS 5/1.2j-2 new)

Sec. 1.2j-2. Air rifle. "Air Rifle" means an air gun, air pistol, spring gun, gas gun, spring pistol, B-B gun, pellet gun, or any implement that is not a firearm and propels a singular globular projectile or pellet constructed of steel, lead, or other hard materials by the use of compressed air, compressed gas, or spring power.

(520 ILCS 5/2.30) (from Ch. 61, par. 2.30)

Sec. 2.30. Except as provided in this Section, it shall be unlawful for any person to trap or to hunt with gun, dog, dog and gun, or bow and arrow, gray fox, red fox, raccoon, weasel, mink, muskrat, badger, bobcat, and opossum except during the open season which will be set annually by the Director between 12:01 a.m., November 1 to 12:00 midnight, February 15, both inclusive.

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or trap bobcat in this State on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly in the counties of Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DeWitt, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Stark, Stephenson, Vermilion, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford and north of U.S. Route 36 in Edgar and Douglas and north of U.S. Route 36 to the junction with Illinois Route 121 and north or east of Illinois Route 121 in Macon. For the season beginning in 2017, a total number of 350 bobcats may be hunted or trapped lawfully, or the conclusion of the season occurs, whichever is earlier. For the season beginning in 2018, a total number of 375 bobcats may be hunted or trapped lawfully, or the conclusion of the season occurs, whichever is earlier. The changes added to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly, except for this sentence, are inoperative on and after June 30, 2019.

It is unlawful to pursue any fur-bearing mammal with a dog or dogs between the hours of sunset and sunrise during the 10 day period preceding the opening date of the raccoon hunting season and the 10 day period following the closing date of the raccoon hunting season except that the Department may issue field trial permits in accordance with Section 2.34 of this Act. A non-resident from a state with more restrictive fur-bearer pursuit regulations for any particular species than provided for that species in this Act may not pursue that species in Illinois except during the period of time that Illinois residents are allowed to pursue that species in the non-resident's state of residence. Hound running areas approved by the Department shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.

It shall be unlawful to take beaver, river otter, weasel, mink, or muskrat except during the open season set annually by the Director, and then, only with traps, except that a firearm, pistol, or air rifle airgun of a caliber not larger than a .22 long rifle may be used to remove the animal from the trap.

It shall be unlawful for any person to trap beaver or river otter with traps except during the open season which will be set annually by the Director between 12:01 a.m., November 1st and 12:00 midnight, March 31, both inclusive.

Coyote may be taken by trapping methods only during the period from September 1 to March 1, both inclusive, and by hunting methods at any time.

Striped skunk may be taken by trapping methods only during the period from September 1 to March 1, both inclusive, and by hunting methods at any time.

Muskrat may be taken by trapping methods during an open season set annually by the Director.

For the purpose of taking fur-bearing mammals, the State may be divided into management zones by administrative rule.

It shall be unlawful to take or possess more than the season limit or possession limit of fur-bearing mammals that shall be set annually by the Director. The season limit for bobcat shall not exceed one bobcat per permit. Possession limits shall not apply to fur buyers, tanners, manufacturers, and taxidermists, as defined by this Act, who possess fur-bearing mammals in accordance with laws governing such activities.

Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the taking or possessing of fur-bearing mammals found dead or unintentionally killed by a vehicle along a roadway during the open season provided the person who possesses such fur-bearing mammals has all appropriate licenses, stamps, or permits; the season for which the species possessed is open; and that such possession and disposal of such fur-bearing mammals is otherwise subject to the provisions of this Section.

The provisions of this Section are subject to modification by administrative rule.

(Source: P.A. 99-33, eff. 1-1-16; 100-524, eff. 9-22-17; 100-779, eff. 8-10-18.)

(520 ILCS 5/2.33) (from Ch. 61, par. 2.33)

Sec. 2.33. Prohibitions.

(a) It is unlawful to carry or possess any gun in any State refuge unless otherwise permitted by administrative rule.

(b) It is unlawful to use or possess any snare or snare-like device, deadfall, net, or pit trap to take any species, except that snares not powered by springs or other mechanical devices may be used to trap fur-bearing mammals, in water sets only, if at least one-half of the snare noose is located underwater at all times.

(c) It is unlawful for any person at any time to take a wild mammal protected by this Act from its den by means of any mechanical device, spade, or digging device or to use smoke or other gases to dislodge or remove such mammal except as provided in Section 2.37.

(d) It is unlawful to use a ferret or any other small mammal which is used in the same or similar manner for which ferrets are used for the purpose of frightening or driving any mammals from their dens or hiding places.

(e) (Blank).

(f) It is unlawful to use spears, gigs, hooks or any like device to take any species protected by this Act.

(g) It is unlawful to use poisons, chemicals or explosives for the purpose of taking any species protected by this Act.

(h) It is unlawful to hunt adjacent to or near any peat, grass, brush or other inflammable substance when it is burning.

(i) It is unlawful to take, pursue or intentionally harass or disturb in any manner any wild birds or mammals by use or aid of any vehicle, or conveyance, or unmanned aircraft as defined by the Illinois Aeronautics Act, except as permitted by the Code of Federal Regulations for the taking of waterfowl; except that nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft in the inspection of a public utility facility, tower, or structure or a mobile service facility, tower, or structure by a public utility, as defined in Section 3-105 of the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of mobile services as defined in Section 153 of Title 47 of the United States Code. It is also unlawful to use the lights of any vehicle or conveyance, or any light from or any light connected to any the vehicle or conveyance, or any other lighting device or mechanism from inside or on a vehicle or conveyance in any area where wildlife may be found except in accordance with Section 2.37 of this Act; however, nothing in this Section shall prohibit the normal use of headlamps for the purpose of driving upon a roadway. For purposes of this Section, any other lighting device or mechanism shall include, but not be limited to, any device that uses infrared or other light not visible to the naked eye, electronic image intensification, active illumination, thermal imaging, or night vision. Striped skunk, opossum, red fox, gray fox, raccoon, bobcat, and coyote may be taken during the open season by use of a small light which is worn on the body or hand-held by a person on foot and not in any vehicle.

(j) It is unlawful to use any shotgun larger than 10 gauge while taking or attempting to take any of the species protected by this Act.

(k) It is unlawful to use or possess in the field any shotgun shell loaded with a shot size larger than lead BB or steel T (.20 diameter) when taking or attempting to take any species of wild game mammals (excluding white-tailed deer), wild game birds, migratory waterfowl or migratory game birds protected by this Act, except white-tailed deer as provided for in Section 2.26 and other species as provided for by subsection (l) or administrative rule.

(l) It is unlawful to take any species of wild game, except white-tailed deer and fur-bearing mammals, with a shotgun loaded with slugs unless otherwise provided for by administrative rule.

(m) It is unlawful to use any shotgun capable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine or chamber combined, except on game breeding and hunting preserve areas licensed under Section 3.27 and except as permitted by the Code of Federal Regulations for the taking of waterfowl. If the shotgun is capable of holding more than 3 shells, it shall, while being used on an area other than a game breeding and shooting preserve area licensed pursuant to Section 3.27, be fitted with a one piece plug that is irremovable without dismantling the shotgun or otherwise altered to render it incapable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber, combined.

(n) It is unlawful for any person, except persons who possess a permit to hunt from a vehicle as provided in this Section and persons otherwise permitted by law, to have or carry any gun in or on any vehicle, conveyance or aircraft, unless such gun is unloaded and enclosed in a case, except that at field trials authorized by Section 2.34 of this Act, unloaded guns or guns loaded with blank cartridges only, may be carried on horseback while not contained in a case, or to have or carry any bow or arrow device in or on any vehicle unless such bow or arrow device is unstrung or enclosed in a case, or otherwise made inoperable unless in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

(o) (Blank).

(p) It is unlawful to take game birds, migratory game birds or migratory waterfowl with a rifle, pistol, revolver, or air rifle airgun.

(q) It is unlawful to fire a rifle, pistol, revolver, or air rifle airgun on, over, or into any waters of this State, including frozen waters.

(r) It is unlawful to discharge any gun or bow and arrow device along, upon, across, or from any public right-of-way or highway in this State.

(s) It is unlawful to use a silencer or other device to muffle or mute the sound of the explosion or report resulting from the firing of any gun.

(t) It is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take any species of wildlife or parts thereof, intentionally or wantonly allow a dog to hunt, within or upon the land of another, or upon waters flowing over or standing on the land of another, or to knowingly shoot a gun or bow and arrow device at any wildlife physically on or flying over the property of another without first obtaining permission from the owner or the owner's designee. For the purposes of this Section, the owner's designee means anyone who the owner designates in a written authorization and the authorization must contain (i) the legal or common description of property for such authority is given, (ii) the extent that the owner's designee is authorized to make decisions regarding who is allowed to take or attempt to take any species of wildlife or parts thereof, and (iii) the owner's notarized signature. Before enforcing this Section the law enforcement officer must have received notice from the owner or the owner's designee of a violation of this Section. Statements made to the law enforcement officer regarding this notice shall not be rendered inadmissible by the hearsay rule when offered for the purpose of showing the required notice.

(u) It is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm for the purpose of taking any of the species protected by this Act, or hunt with gun or dog, or intentionally or wantonly allow a dog to hunt, within 300 yards of an inhabited dwelling without first obtaining permission from the owner or tenant, except that while trapping, hunting with bow and arrow, hunting with dog and shotgun using shot shells only, or hunting with shotgun using shot shells only, or providing outfitting services under a waterfowl outfitter permit, or on licensed game breeding and hunting preserve areas, as defined in Section 3.27, on federally owned and managed lands and on Department owned, managed, leased, or controlled lands, a 100 yard restriction shall apply.

(v) It is unlawful for any person to remove fur-bearing mammals from, or to move or disturb in any manner, the traps owned by another person without written authorization of the owner to do so.

(w) It is unlawful for any owner of a dog to knowingly or wantonly allow his or her dog to pursue, harass or kill deer, except that nothing in this Section shall prohibit the tracking of wounded deer with a dog in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.26 of this Code.

(x) It is unlawful for any person to wantonly or carelessly injure or destroy, in any manner whatsoever, any real or personal property on the land of another while engaged in hunting or trapping thereon.

(y) It is unlawful to hunt wild game protected by this Act between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise, except that hunting hours between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise may be established by administrative rule for fur-bearing mammals.

(z) It is unlawful to take any game bird (excluding wild turkeys and crippled pheasants not capable of normal flight and otherwise irretrievable) protected by this Act when not flying. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a person from carrying an uncased, unloaded shotgun in a boat, while in pursuit of a crippled migratory waterfowl that is incapable of normal flight, for the purpose of attempting to reduce the migratory waterfowl to possession, provided that the attempt is made immediately upon downing the migratory waterfowl and is done within 400 yards of the blind from which the migratory waterfowl was downed. This exception shall apply only to migratory game birds that are not capable of normal flight. Migratory waterfowl that are crippled may be taken only with a shotgun as regulated by subsection (j) of this Section using shotgun shells as regulated in subsection (k) of this Section.

(aa) It is unlawful to use or possess any device that may be used for tree climbing or cutting, while hunting fur-bearing mammals, excluding coyotes. However, coyotes may not be hunted utilizing these devices during open season for deer except by properly licensed deer hunters.

(bb) It is unlawful for any person, except licensed game breeders, pursuant to Section 2.29 to import, carry into, or possess alive in this State any species of wildlife taken outside of this State, without obtaining permission to do so from the Director.

(cc) It is unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any freshly killed species protected by this Act during the season closed for taking.

(dd) It is unlawful to take any species protected by this Act and retain it alive except as provided by administrative rule.

(ee) It is unlawful to possess any rifle while in the field during gun deer season except as provided in Section 2.26 and administrative rules.

(ff) It is unlawful for any person to take any species protected by this Act, except migratory waterfowl, during the gun deer hunting season in those counties open to gun deer hunting, unless he or she wears, when in the field, a cap and upper outer garment of a solid blaze orange color or solid blaze pink color, with such articles of clothing displaying a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange or solid blaze pink color material.

(gg) It is unlawful during the upland game season for any person to take upland game with a firearm unless he or she wears, while in the field, a cap of solid blaze orange color or solid blaze pink color. For purposes of this Act, upland game is defined as Bobwhite Quail, Hungarian Partridge, Ring-necked Pheasant, Eastern Cottontail and Swamp Rabbit.

(hh) It shall be unlawful to kill or cripple any species protected by this Act for which there is a bag limit without making a reasonable effort to retrieve such species and include such in the bag limit. It shall be unlawful for any person having control over harvested game mammals, game birds, or migratory game birds for which there is a bag limit to wantonly waste or destroy the usable meat of the game, except this shall not apply to wildlife taken under Sections 2.37 or 3.22 of this Code. For purposes of this subsection, "usable meat" means the breast meat of a game bird or migratory game bird and the hind ham and front shoulders of a game mammal. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, leave, dump, or abandon a wildlife carcass or parts of it along or upon a public right-of-way or highway or on public or private property, including a waterway or stream, without the permission of the owner or tenant. It shall not be unlawful to discard game meat that is determined to be unfit for human consumption.

(ii) This Section shall apply only to those species protected by this Act taken within the State. Any species or any parts thereof, legally taken in and transported from other states or countries, may be possessed within the State, except as provided in this Section and Sections 2.35, 2.36 and 3.21.

(jj) (Blank).

(kk) Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit the Director from issuing permits to paraplegics or to other persons with disabilities who meet the requirements set forth in administrative rule to shoot or hunt from a vehicle as provided by that rule, provided that such is otherwise in accord with this Act.

(ll) Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit the taking of aquatic life protected by the Fish and Aquatic Life Code or birds and mammals protected by this Act, except deer and fur-bearing mammals, from a boat not camouflaged or disguised to alter its identity or to further provide a place of concealment and not propelled by sail or mechanical power. However, only shotguns not larger than 10 gauge nor smaller than .410 bore loaded with not more than 3 shells of a shot size no larger than lead BB or steel T (.20 diameter) may be used to take species protected by this Act.

(mm) Nothing contained in this Act shall prohibit the use of a shotgun, not larger than 10 gauge nor smaller than a 20 gauge, with a rifled barrel.

(nn) It shall be unlawful to possess any species of wildlife or wildlife parts taken unlawfully in Illinois, any other state, or any other country, whether or not the wildlife or wildlife parts is indigenous to Illinois. For the purposes of this subsection, the statute of limitations for unlawful possession of wildlife or wildlife parts shall not cease until 2 years after the possession has permanently ended.

(Source: P.A. 102-237, eff. 1-1-22.)

(520 ILCS 5/2.36a) (from Ch. 61, par. 2.36a)

Sec. 2.36a. Value of protected species; violations.

(a) A Any person commits a Class 3 felony if the person who, for profit or commercial purposes, knowingly captures or kills, possesses, offers for sale, sells, offers to barter, barters, offers to purchase, purchases, delivers for shipment, ships, exports, imports, causes to be shipped, exported, or imported, delivers for transportation, transports or causes to be transported, carries or causes to be carried, or receives for shipment, transportation, carriage, or export any animal or part of animal of the species protected by this Act, contrary to the provisions of this Act, and such animals, in whole or in part, are (1) valued at or in excess of a total of $500 $300, as per specie value specified in paragraph (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of subsection (c) of this Section, or (2) valued at or in excess of a total of $3,000 as per specie value specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (9) of subsection (c) or subsection (d) commits a Class 3 felony.

(a-5) A person shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony if convicted under this Section for more than one violation of subsection (a) where the offenses occurred on different days and within a 90-day period and:

(1) where the animals as per specie value specified in paragraph (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of subsection (c) of this Section of each violation are not valued at or in excess of $500 $300, but the total value of the animals from the multiple violations is at or in excess of $500; or $300.

(2) where the animals as per specie value specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (9) of subsection (c) or subsection (d) of this Section of each violation are not valued at or in excess of $3,000, but the total value of the animals from the multiple violations is at or in excess of $3,000.

The prosecution for a Class 4 felony for these multiple violations must be alleged in a single charge or indictment and brought in a single prosecution.

(b) Possession of animals, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of this Act, valued at or in excess of $500 $600, as per specie value specified in paragraph (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of subsection (c) of this Section, shall be considered prima facie evidence of possession for profit or commercial purposes. Possession of animals, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of this Act, valued at or in excess of $3,000 as per specie value specified in subsection (c) or $700 as specified in subsection (d) of this Section, shall be considered prima facie evidence of possession for profit or commercial purposes.

(c) For purposes of this Section, the fair market value or replacement cost, whichever is greater, shall be used to determine the value of the species protected by this Act, but in no case shall the minimum value of all species protected by this Act be less than as follows:

(1) Eagle, $1,000;

(2) Whitetail deer, $1,000, subject to any additional value for antlered whitetail deer as indicated in subsection (d), and wild turkey, $500;

(3) Fur-bearing mammals, $50;

(4) Game birds (except the wild turkey) and migratory game birds (except Trumpeter swans), $50;

(5) Owls, hawks, falcons, kites, harriers, and ospreys, and other birds of prey, $250;

(6) Game mammals (except whitetail deer), $50;

(7) Other mammals, $100;

(8) Resident and migratory non-game birds (except birds of prey), $100;

(9) Trumpeter swans, $1,000.

(d) In this subsection (d), "point" means a projection on the antler of a whitetail antlered deer that is at least one-inch long as measured from the tip to the nearest edge of antler beam and the length of which exceeds the length of its base. A person who possesses whitetail antlered deer, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of this Act, shall pay restitution to the Department in the amount of $1,000 per whitetail antlered deer and an additional $500 per antler point for each whitetail antlered deer with at least 8 but not more than 10 antler points. For whitetail antlered deer with 11 or more antler points, restitution of $1,000 shall be paid to the Department per whitetail antlered deer plus $750 per antler point. The restitution amount listed in this subsection (d) shall be the fair market value of an antlered whitetail deer for purposes of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-960, eff. 8-19-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(520 ILCS 5/3.1) (from Ch. 61, par. 3.1)

Sec. 3.1. License and stamps required.

(a) Before any person shall take or attempt to take any of the species protected by Section 2.2 for which an open season is established under this Act, he shall first have procured and possess a valid hunting license, except as provided in Section 3.1-5 of this Code.

Before any person 18 years of age or older shall take or attempt to take any bird of the species defined as migratory waterfowl by Section 2.2, including coots, he shall first have procured a State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp.

Before any person 18 years of age or older takes, attempts to take, or pursues any species of wildlife protected by this Code, except migratory waterfowl, coots, and hand-reared birds on licensed game breeding and hunting preserve areas and state controlled pheasant hunting areas, he or she shall first obtain a State Habitat Stamp. Veterans with disabilities and former prisoners of war shall not be required to obtain State Habitat Stamps. Any person who obtained a lifetime license before January 1, 1993, shall not be required to obtain State Habitat Stamps. Income from the sale of State Furbearer Stamps and State Pheasant Stamps received after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1992 shall be deposited into the State Furbearer Fund and State Pheasant Fund, respectively.

Before any person 18 years of age or older shall take, attempt to take, or sell the green hide of any mammal of the species defined as fur-bearing mammals by Section 2.2 for which an open season is established under this Act, he shall first have procured a State Habitat Stamp.

(b) Before any person who is a non-resident of the State of Illinois shall take or attempt to take any of the species protected by Section 2.2 for which an open season is established under this Act, he shall, unless specifically exempted by law, first procure a non-resident license as provided by this Act for the taking of any wild game.

Before a nonresident shall take or attempt to take white-tailed deer, he shall first have procured a Deer Hunting Permit as defined in Section 2.26 of this Code.

Before a nonresident shall take or attempt to take wild turkeys, he shall have procured a Wild Turkey Hunting Permit as defined in Section 2.11 of this Code.

(c) The owners residing on, or bona fide tenants of, farm lands and their children, parents, brothers, and sisters actually permanently residing on their lands shall have the right to hunt any of the species protected by Section 2.2 upon their lands and waters without procuring hunting licenses; but the hunting shall be done only during periods of time and with devices and by methods as are permitted by this Act. Any person on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States who is now and who was at the time of entering the Armed Forces a resident of Illinois and who entered the Armed Forces from this State, and who is presently on ordinary or emergency leave from the Armed Forces, and any resident of Illinois who has a disability may hunt any of the species protected by Section 2.2 without procuring a hunting license, but the hunting shall be done only during such periods of time and with devices and by methods as are permitted by this Act. For the purpose of this Section a person is a person with a disability when that person has a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For purposes of this Section, an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued pursuant to the Illinois Identification Card Act indicating that the person named has a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability shall be adequate documentation of the disability.

(d) A courtesy non-resident license, permit, or stamp for taking game may be issued at the discretion of the Director, without fee, to any person officially employed in the game and fish or conservation department of another state or of the United States who is within the State to assist or consult or cooperate with the Director; or to the officials of other states, the United States, foreign countries, or officers or representatives of conservation organizations or publications while in the State as guests of the Governor or Director. The Director may provide to nonresident participants and official gunners at field trials an exemption from licensure while participating in a field trial.

(e) State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps shall be required for those persons qualifying under subsections (c) and (d) who intend to hunt migratory waterfowl, including coots, to the extent that hunting licenses of the various types are authorized and required by this Section for those persons.

(f) Registration in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program shall be required for those persons who are required to have a hunting license before taking or attempting to take any bird of the species defined as migratory game birds by Section 2.2, except that this subsection shall not apply to crows in this State or hand-reared birds on licensed game breeding and hunting preserve areas, for which an open season is established by this Act. Persons registering with the Program must carry proof of registration with them while migratory bird hunting.

The Department shall publish suitable prescribed regulations pertaining to registration by the migratory bird hunter in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 100-638, eff. 1-1-19.)

(520 ILCS 5/3.1-2) (from Ch. 61, par. 3.1-2)

Sec. 3.1-2. Veterans who, according to the determination of the Veterans' Administration as certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, are at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or in receipt of total disability pensions and former prisoners of war may hunt and trap any of the species protected by Section 2.2, during such times, with such devices and by such methods as are permitted by this Act, without procuring hunting and trapping licenses, State Habitat Stamps, and State Waterfowl Stamps on the condition that their respective disabilities do not prevent them from hunting and trapping in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.

(Source: P.A. 102-524, eff. 8-20-21.)

(520 ILCS 5/3.25) (from Ch. 61, par. 3.25)

Sec. 3.25. Any individual who, within the State of Illinois, holds, possesses or engages in the breeding or raising of live fur-bearing mammals, protected by this Act, except as provided in Sections 1.6 or 1.7, shall be a fur-bearing mammal breeder in the meaning of this Act. Before any individual shall hold, possess or engage in the breeding or raising of live fur-bearing mammals, he shall first procure a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit. Fur-bearing mammal breeder permits shall be issued by the Department. The annual fee for each fur-bearing mammal breeder permit shall be $25. All fur-bearing mammal breeder permits shall expire on March 31 of each year.

Holders of fur-bearing mammal breeder permits may hold, possess, engage in the breeding or raising, sell, or otherwise dispose of live fur-bearing mammals or their green hides, possessed thereunder, at any time of the year.

Fur-bearing mammal breeders shall keep a record for 2 years from the date of the acquisition, sale or other disposition of each live fur-bearing mammal or its green hide so raised or propagated, showing the date of such transaction, the name and address of the individual receiving or buying such live fur-bearing mammal or its green hide, and when requested to do so, shall furnish such individual with a certificate of purchase showing the number and kinds of live fur-bearing mammals or green hides so disposed of, the date of the transaction, the name and permit number of the breeder, and the name of the individual receiving, collecting, or buying such live fur-bearing mammals or green hides, and such other information as the Department may require. Such records and certificates of purchase shall be immediately presented to officers or authorized employees of the Department, any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other peace officer when request is made for same. Failure to produce such records or certificates of purchase shall be prima facie evidence that such live fur-bearing mammals or green hides are contraband with the State of Illinois. The holder of a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit may exhibit fur-bearing mammals commercially.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed to give any such permittee authority to take fur-bearing mammals in their wild state contrary to other provisions of this Act, or to remove such permittee from responsibility for the observance of any Federal Laws, rules or regulations which may apply to such fur-bearing mammals.

Holders of fur-bearing mammal breeder permits may import fur-bearing mammals into the State of Illinois but may release the same only after health and disease prevention requirements set forth by the Director and other State agencies have been met and permission of the Director has been granted.

The breeding, raising and producing in captivity, and the marketing, by the producer, of mink (Mustela vison), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) or arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), as live animals, or as animal pelts or carcasses shall be deemed an agricultural pursuit, and all such animals so raised in captivity shall be deemed domestic animals, subject to all the laws of the State with reference to possession and ownership as are applicable at any time to domestic animals. All individuals engaged in the foregoing activities are fur farmers and engaged in farming for all statutory purposes. Such individuals are exempt from the fur-bearing mammal breeder permit requirements set forth in this Section if: (1) they are defined as farmers for Federal income tax purposes, and (2) at least 20 percent of their gross farm income as reported on Federal tax form Schedule F (Form 1040) for the previous year is generated from the sale of mink, red fox or arctic fox as live animals, animal pelts or carcasses.

No fur-bearing mammal breeder permits will be issued to hold, possess, or engage in the breeding and raising of striped skunks acquired after July 1, 1975, or coyotes acquired after July 1, 1978, except for coyotes that are held or possessed by a person who holds a hound running area permit under Section 3.26 of this Act. No fur-bearing mammal breeder permits will be issued to hold, possess, or engage in the breeding and raising of any dangerous animal as defined in Section 48-10 of the Criminal Code of 2012 acquired after July 1, 2022 except for coyotes that are held or possessed by a person who holds a hound running area permit under Section 3.26.

(Source: P.A. 95-196, eff. 1-1-08.)

(520 ILCS 5/3.36) (from Ch. 61, par. 3.36)

Sec. 3.36. Revocation and suspension.

(a) Whenever a license or permit is issued to any person under this Act, and the holder thereof is found guilty of any misrepresentation in obtaining such license or permit or of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any wildlife protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, his license or permit may be revoked by the Department, and the Department may refuse to issue any permit or license to such person and may suspend the person from engaging in the activity requiring the permit or license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years following such revocation.

Department revocation procedures shall be established by Administrative rule.

(b) Whenever any person who has not been issued a license or a permit under the provisions of this Code is found guilty of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any wildlife protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the Department may refuse to issue any permit or license to that person, and suspend that person from engaging in the activity requiring the permit or license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years.

(c) Any person who knowingly or intentionally violates any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, during such period when his license or permit is revoked or denied by virtue of this Section or during the time he is suspended under subsection (b), shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties for a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 shall be as provided in that Section.

(d) Licenses and permits authorized to be issued under the provisions of this Act shall be prepared by the Department and be in such form as prescribed by the Department. The information required on each license shall be completed thereon by the issuing agent or his sub-agent at the time of issuance and each license shall be signed by the licensee, or initialed by the designated purchaser and then signed immediately upon receipt by the licensee, and countersigned by the issuing agent or his sub-agent at the time of issuance. All such licenses shall be supplied by the Department, subject to such rules and regulations as the Department may prescribe. Any license not properly prepared, obtained and signed as required by this Act shall be void.

(e) A person whose license or permit to engage in any activity regulated by this Code has been suspended or revoked may not, during the period of the suspension or revocation or until obtaining such a license or permit, (i) be in the company of any person engaging in the activity covered by the suspension or revocation or (ii) serve as a guide, outfitter, or facilitator for a person who is engaged or prepared to engage in the activity covered by the suspension or revocation.

(f) No person may be issued or obtain a license or permit or engage in any activity regulated by this Code during the time that the person's privilege to engage in the same or similar activities is suspended or revoked by another state, by a federal agency, or by a province of Canada.

(Source: P.A. 98-402, eff. 8-16-13.)

Section 30. The Ginseng Harvesting Act is amended by changing Section 6 as follows:

(525 ILCS 20/6)

Sec. 6. Additional license revocation and denial provisions.

(a) If a license has been issued to any person under this Act and that person is found guilty of any misrepresentation in obtaining that license or a violation of any of the provisions of this Act or its rules or a violation of the United States Code that involves the possession, use, sale, transportation, or harvesting of ginseng when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the license may be revoked by the Department. The Department may also refuse to issue any license to that person and may suspend that person from engaging in any activity requiring the license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years following the revocation.

(b) If a person who has not been issued a license under this Act is found guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this Act or its rules or a violation of the United States Code that involves the possession, use, sale, transportation, or harvesting of ginseng when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the Department may refuse to issue any license to that person and may suspend that person from engaging in any activity requiring the license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years.

(c) The Department's license revocation procedures must be established by administrative rule.

(d) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act or its rules during any period when his or her license is revoked or denied by virtue of this Section, or during the time he or she is suspended under subsection (b), is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(e) A person whose license to engage in any activity regulated under this Act has been suspended or revoked may not, during the period of the suspension or revocation or until obtaining the proper license, (i) be in the company of any person engaging in the activity covered by the license or (ii) serve as a guide or facilitator for a person who is engaged or prepared to engage in the activity covered by the license.

(Source: P.A. 92-385, eff. 8-16-01.)

Section 35. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by changing Section 24-2 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/24-2)

Sec. 24-2. Exemptions.

(a) Subsections 24-1(a)(3), 24-1(a)(4), 24-1(a)(10), and 24-1(a)(13) and Section 24-1.6 do not apply to or affect any of the following:

(1) Peace officers, and any person summoned by a peace officer to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace, while actually engaged in assisting such officer.

(2) Wardens, superintendents and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails and other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense, while in the performance of their official duty, or while commuting between their homes and places of employment.

(3) Members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard or the Reserve Officers Training Corps, while in the performance of their official duty.

(4) Special agents employed by a railroad or a public utility to perform police functions, and guards of armored car companies, while actually engaged in the performance of the duties of their employment or commuting between their homes and places of employment; and watchmen while actually engaged in the performance of the duties of their employment.

(5) Persons licensed as private security contractors, private detectives, or private alarm contractors, or employed by a private security contractor, private detective, or private alarm contractor agency licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, if their duties include the carrying of a weapon under the provisions of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, while actually engaged in the performance of the duties of their employment or commuting between their homes and places of employment. A person shall be considered eligible for this exemption if he or she has completed the required 20 hours of training for a private security contractor, private detective, or private alarm contractor, or employee of a licensed private security contractor, private detective, or private alarm contractor agency and 28 hours of required firearm training, and has been issued a firearm control card by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Conditions for the renewal of firearm control cards issued under the provisions of this Section shall be the same as for those cards issued under the provisions of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. The firearm control card shall be carried by the private security contractor, private detective, or private alarm contractor, or employee of the licensed private security contractor, private detective, or private alarm contractor agency at all times when he or she is in possession of a concealable weapon permitted by his or her firearm control card.

(6) Any person regularly employed in a commercial or industrial operation as a security guard for the protection of persons employed and private property related to such commercial or industrial operation, while actually engaged in the performance of his or her duty or traveling between sites or properties belonging to the employer, and who, as a security guard, is a member of a security force registered with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; provided that such security guard has successfully completed a course of study, approved by and supervised by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, consisting of not less than 48 hours of training that includes the theory of law enforcement, liability for acts, and the handling of weapons. A person shall be considered eligible for this exemption if he or she has completed the required 20 hours of training for a security officer and 28 hours of required firearm training, and has been issued a firearm control card by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Conditions for the renewal of firearm control cards issued under the provisions of this Section shall be the same as for those cards issued under the provisions of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. The firearm control card shall be carried by the security guard at all times when he or she is in possession of a concealable weapon permitted by his or her firearm control card.

(7) Agents and investigators of the Illinois Legislative Investigating Commission authorized by the Commission to carry the weapons specified in subsections 24-1(a)(3) and 24-1(a)(4), while on duty in the course of any investigation for the Commission.

(8) Persons employed by a financial institution as a security guard for the protection of other employees and property related to such financial institution, while actually engaged in the performance of their duties, commuting between their homes and places of employment, or traveling between sites or properties owned or operated by such financial institution, and who, as a security guard, is a member of a security force registered with the Department; provided that any person so employed has successfully completed a course of study, approved by and supervised by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, consisting of not less than 48 hours of training which includes theory of law enforcement, liability for acts, and the handling of weapons. A person shall be considered to be eligible for this exemption if he or she has completed the required 20 hours of training for a security officer and 28 hours of required firearm training, and has been issued a firearm control card by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Conditions for renewal of firearm control cards issued under the provisions of this Section shall be the same as for those issued under the provisions of the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. The firearm control card shall be carried by the security guard at all times when he or she is in possession of a concealable weapon permitted by his or her firearm control card. For purposes of this subsection, "financial institution" means a bank, savings and loan association, credit union or company providing armored car services.

(9) Any person employed by an armored car company to drive an armored car, while actually engaged in the performance of his duties.

(10) Persons who have been classified as peace officers pursuant to the Peace Officer Fire Investigation Act.

(11) Investigators of the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor authorized by the board of governors of the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor to carry weapons pursuant to Section 7.06 of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor's Act.

(12) Special investigators appointed by a State's Attorney under Section 3-9005 of the Counties Code.

(12.5) Probation officers while in the performance of their duties, or while commuting between their homes, places of employment or specific locations that are part of their assigned duties, with the consent of the chief judge of the circuit for which they are employed, if they have received weapons training according to requirements of the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act.

(13) Court Security Officers while in the performance of their official duties, or while commuting between their homes and places of employment, with the consent of the Sheriff.

(13.5) A person employed as an armed security guard at a nuclear energy, storage, weapons or development site or facility regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission who has completed the background screening and training mandated by the rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(14) Manufacture, transportation, or sale of weapons to persons authorized under subdivisions (1) through (13.5) of this subsection to possess those weapons.

(a-5) Subsections 24-1(a)(4) and 24-1(a)(10) do not apply to or affect any person carrying a concealed pistol, revolver, or handgun and the person has been issued a currently valid license under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act at the time of the commission of the offense.

(a-6) Subsections 24-1(a)(4) and 24-1(a)(10) do not apply to or affect a qualified current or retired law enforcement officer qualified under the laws of this State or under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.

(b) Subsections 24-1(a)(4) and 24-1(a)(10) and Section 24-1.6 do not apply to or affect any of the following:

(1) Members of any club or organization organized for the purpose of practicing shooting at targets upon established target ranges, whether public or private, and patrons of such ranges, while such members or patrons are using their firearms on those target ranges.

(2) Duly authorized military or civil organizations while parading, with the special permission of the Governor.

(3) Hunters, trappers, or fishermen with a license or permit while engaged in lawful hunting, trapping, or fishing under the provisions of the Wildlife Code or the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

(4) Transportation of weapons that are broken down in a non-functioning state or are not immediately accessible.

(5) Carrying or possessing any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person's permission.

(c) Subsection 24-1(a)(7) does not apply to or affect any of the following:

(1) Peace officers while in performance of their official duties.

(2) Wardens, superintendents and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails and other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense.

(3) Members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard, while in the performance of their official duty.

(4) Manufacture, transportation, or sale of machine guns to persons authorized under subdivisions (1) through (3) of this subsection to possess machine guns, if the machine guns are broken down in a non-functioning state or are not immediately accessible.

(5) Persons licensed under federal law to manufacture any weapon from which 8 or more shots or bullets can be discharged by a single function of the firing device, or ammunition for such weapons, and actually engaged in the business of manufacturing such weapons or ammunition, but only with respect to activities which are within the lawful scope of such business, such as the manufacture, transportation, or testing of such weapons or ammunition. This exemption does not authorize the general private possession of any weapon from which 8 or more shots or bullets can be discharged by a single function of the firing device, but only such possession and activities as are within the lawful scope of a licensed manufacturing business described in this paragraph.

During transportation, such weapons shall be broken down in a non-functioning state or not immediately accessible.

(6) The manufacture, transport, testing, delivery, transfer or sale, and all lawful commercial or experimental activities necessary thereto, of rifles, shotguns, and weapons made from rifles or shotguns, or ammunition for such rifles, shotguns or weapons, where engaged in by a person operating as a contractor or subcontractor pursuant to a contract or subcontract for the development and supply of such rifles, shotguns, weapons or ammunition to the United States government or any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, when such activities are necessary and incident to fulfilling the terms of such contract.

The exemption granted under this subdivision (c)(6) shall also apply to any authorized agent of any such contractor or subcontractor who is operating within the scope of his employment, where such activities involving such weapon, weapons or ammunition are necessary and incident to fulfilling the terms of such contract.

(7) A person possessing a rifle with a barrel or barrels less than 16 inches in length if: (A) the person has been issued a Curios and Relics license from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; or (B) the person is an active member of a bona fide, nationally recognized military re-enacting group and the modification is required and necessary to accurately portray the weapon for historical re-enactment purposes; the re-enactor is in possession of a valid and current re-enacting group membership credential; and the overall length of the weapon as modified is not less than 26 inches.

(d) Subsection 24-1(a)(1) does not apply to the purchase, possession or carrying of a black-jack or slung-shot by a peace officer.

(e) Subsection 24-1(a)(8) does not apply to any owner, manager or authorized employee of any place specified in that subsection nor to any law enforcement officer.

(f) Subsection 24-1(a)(4) and subsection 24-1(a)(10) and Section 24-1.6 do not apply to members of any club or organization organized for the purpose of practicing shooting at targets upon established target ranges, whether public or private, while using their firearms on those target ranges.

(g) Subsections 24-1(a)(11) and 24-3.1(a)(6) do not apply to:

(1) Members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard, while in the performance of their official duty.

(2) Bonafide collectors of antique or surplus military ordnance.

(3) Laboratories having a department of forensic ballistics, or specializing in the development of ammunition or explosive ordnance.

(4) Commerce, preparation, assembly or possession of explosive bullets by manufacturers of ammunition licensed by the federal government, in connection with the supply of those organizations and persons exempted by subdivision (g)(1) of this Section, or like organizations and persons outside this State, or the transportation of explosive bullets to any organization or person exempted in this Section by a common carrier or by a vehicle owned or leased by an exempted manufacturer.

(g-5) Subsection 24-1(a)(6) does not apply to or affect persons licensed under federal law to manufacture any device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm, firearms, or ammunition for those firearms equipped with those devices, and actually engaged in the business of manufacturing those devices, firearms, or ammunition, but only with respect to activities that are within the lawful scope of that business, such as the manufacture, transportation, or testing of those devices, firearms, or ammunition. This exemption does not authorize the general private possession of any device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm, but only such possession and activities as are within the lawful scope of a licensed manufacturing business described in this subsection (g-5). During transportation, these devices shall be detached from any weapon or not immediately accessible.

(g-6) Subsections 24-1(a)(4) and 24-1(a)(10) and Section 24-1.6 do not apply to or affect any parole agent or parole supervisor who meets the qualifications and conditions prescribed in Section 3-14-1.5 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(g-7) Subsection 24-1(a)(6) does not apply to a peace officer while serving as a member of a tactical response team or special operations team. A peace officer may not personally own or apply for ownership of a device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm. These devices shall be owned and maintained by lawfully recognized units of government whose duties include the investigation of criminal acts.

(g-10) (Blank).

(h) An information or indictment based upon a violation of any subsection of this Article need not negative any exemptions contained in this Article. The defendant shall have the burden of proving such an exemption.

(i) Nothing in this Article shall prohibit, apply to, or affect the transportation, carrying, or possession, of any pistol or revolver, stun gun, taser, or other firearm consigned to a common carrier operating under license of the State of Illinois or the federal government, where such transportation, carrying, or possession is incident to the lawful transportation in which such common carrier is engaged; and nothing in this Article shall prohibit, apply to, or affect the transportation, carrying, or possession of any pistol, revolver, stun gun, taser, or other firearm, not the subject of and regulated by subsection 24-1(a)(7) or subsection 24-2(c) of this Article, which is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container, by the possessor of a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card.

(Source: P.A. 101-80, eff. 7-12-19; 102-152, eff. 1-1-22.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.