IllinoisSB2756104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

WILDLIFE CD-WILDLIFE RIFLE

Sponsored By: Patrick J. Joyce (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Wildlife Code. Defines "wildlife rifle" as a rifle that can hold up to 3 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to take deer except (i) with a shotgun, handgun, centerfire wildlife rifle (rather than single shot centerfire rifle), or muzzleloading rifle, or (ii) as provided by administrative rule, with a bow and arrow, during the open season, with certain requirements. Limits legal rifles to centerfire wildlife rifles (rather than centerfire rifles that are single shot). Prohibits deer hunting while being in possession of or in close proximity to a magazine that is capable of making a rifle hold more than 3 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined (rather than making a rifle not a single shot).

assignmentsagricultureagriculture & conservation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More deer-hunting gun options, with capacity limits

Illinois deer hunters can use centerfire rifles and handguns, including revolvers, rather than only single-shot firearms. These guns may hold no more than 3 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined. Higher-capacity guns need an irremovable plug or another alteration that prevents exceeding this limit without dismantling the gun. Hunters may possess only season-authorized firearms while taking deer, except as provided under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Deer hunters cannot possess, be near, or use rifles, handguns, revolvers, muzzleloading rifles, or magazines that violate Wildlife Code requirements or rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Patrick J. Joyce

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Amy Elik

    Republican • House

  • Andrew S. Chesney

    Republican • Senate

  • Bradley Fritts

    Republican • House

  • Brandun Schweizer

    Republican • House

  • Charles Meier

    Republican • House

  • Dan Swanson

    Republican • House

  • Dave Severin

    Republican • House

  • David Friess

    Republican • House

  • Dennis Tipsword

    Republican • House

  • Jason R. Bunting

    Republican • House

  • Jil Tracy

    Republican • Senate

  • Joe C. Sosnowski

    Republican • House

  • Kevin Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Li Arellano, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Patrick Sheehan

    Republican • House

  • Patrick Windhorst

    Republican • House

  • Regan Deering

    Republican • House

  • Terri Bryant

    Republican • Senate

  • Travis Weaver

    Republican • House

  • William E Hauter

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 0

House vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 111 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 54 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Do Pass as Amended Agriculture;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Bill Text

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