HB3596 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT
Last Action
3/19/2026 - House: Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act  
30 ILCS 105/5.1030 new  
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Wetlands Protection Act. Provides that no person may discharge dredged or fill material into a State jurisdictional wetland except with a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Exempts certain activities from the requirements of the Act. Sets forth procedures for individual permit applications and other related procedural requirements. Provides that the Department shall not issue an individual permit unless the Environmental Protection Agency certifies to the Department that there will not be a violation of State water quality standards. Provides that the Department may issue an after-the-fact permit in certain emergency circumstances. Sets forth financial assurance requirements. Authorizes the Department to adopt general permits under the Act. Provides that any person who intends to conduct a regulated activity may do so in accordance with a general permit issued by the Department, which pre-authorizes a category of activities with minimal adverse effects. Provides procedures and requirements regarding preconstruction notifications. Provides that certain entities may establish and operate a mitigation bank or in lieu fee program. Describes procedures and requirements for mitigation banks. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Provides that the Department shall prepare certain reports and studies. Provides for the review of final decisions of the Department. Provides for investigations by the Department and enforcement by a State's Attorney or the Attorney General. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of violation, with interest after judgment, and with certain costs, fees, and expenses, payable to the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that any person may file a complaint with the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning a violation of the Act, a rule adopted under the Act, a condition of a permit issued under the Act, or an order of the Pollution Control Board issued under the Act. Provides for county and special district stormwater program authorities to control or regulate activities in any wetlands within their jurisdiction. Establishes the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that a permit review fee for all permit applications is to be set by the Department by rule. Makes corresponding changes to the State Finance Act. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
In a provision concerning exemptions to the permit requirements under the Act, provides that "commenced construction" also includes contracts for energy storage resources, including a contract for the sale and purchase of Renewable Energy Credits from a brownfield photovoltaic facility as defined in the Illinois Power Agency Act. Deletes a provision that would have caused the bill to take effect immediately.
Actions
DateChamberAction
2/07/2025HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Anna Moeller
2/18/2025HouseFirst Reading
2/18/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
3/07/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Anne Stava
3/10/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
3/10/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Nabeela Syed
3/10/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah
3/11/2025HouseAssigned to Energy & Environment Committee
3/12/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi
3/12/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer
3/12/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Janet Yang Rohr
3/21/2025HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
3/24/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Margaret Croke
3/26/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal
3/31/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Ann M. Williams
4/07/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Hoan Huynh
4/09/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Didech
4/09/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Hernandez
4/22/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
4/29/2025HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl
1/16/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Martha Deuter
2/02/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez
2/13/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock
2/17/2026HouseAssigned to Energy & Environment Committee
2/20/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Rita Mayfield
3/02/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Mussman
3/02/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Maurice A. West, II
3/05/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Anna Moeller
3/05/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
3/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Lilian Jiménez
3/13/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
3/13/2026HouseRemove Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
3/13/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Carol Ammons
3/13/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
3/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Energy & Environment Committee
3/18/2026HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Energy & Environment Committee; by Voice Vote
3/18/2026HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Energy & Environment Committee; 016-008-000
3/19/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
3/20/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy
3/20/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias
3/26/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Yolonda Morris
4/02/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.