IllinoisSB2401104th General Assembly (2025–2026)Senate

WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT

Sponsored By: Laura Ellman (Democratic)

In Committee

Summary

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.

assignmentsjudiciary

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Bill Overview

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laura Ellman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adriane L. Johnson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Celina Villanueva

    Democratic • Senate

  • David Koehler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Graciela Guzmán

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier L. Cervantes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karina Villa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Laura Fine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Laura M. Murphy

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark L. Walker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Edly-Allen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Porfirio

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Simmons

    Democratic • Senate

  • Napoleon Harris III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rachel Ventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ram Villivalam

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert F. Martwick

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Peters

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Feigenholtz

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 6 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass Judiciary;

Yes: 6 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

    5/9/2025Senate
  2. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris III

    5/8/2025Senate
  3. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy

    5/8/2025Senate
  4. Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 9, 2025

    4/11/2025Senate
  5. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

    4/4/2025Senate
  6. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    4/2/2025Senate
  7. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mark L. Walker

    3/27/2025Senate
  8. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán

    3/25/2025Senate
  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 20, 2025

    3/19/2025Senate
  10. Do Pass Judiciary; 006-003-000

    3/19/2025Senate
  11. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura

    3/19/2025Senate
  12. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Robert F. Martwick

    3/13/2025Senate
  13. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Julie A. Morrison

    3/12/2025Senate
  14. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. David Koehler

    3/7/2025Senate
  15. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Porfirio

    3/5/2025Senate
  16. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine

    3/5/2025Senate
  17. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons

    3/4/2025Senate
  18. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Celina Villanueva

    3/4/2025Senate
  19. Assigned to Judiciary

    3/4/2025Senate
  20. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Robert Peters

    2/27/2025Senate
  21. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

    2/27/2025Senate
  22. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa

    2/26/2025Senate
  23. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

    2/26/2025Senate
  24. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Adriane L. Johnson

    2/24/2025Senate
  25. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

    2/24/2025Senate

Bill Text

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