HB5791: DNR-TICK WARNING SIGNS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires, within one year following the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, to perform an assessment of State parks, including recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas and facilities to determine where it is appropriate to install signage to warn visitors of possible Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Provides that the assessment shall include, but shall not be limited to, considerations related to the installation of signage in areas of reported new or increased contact with ticks and an evaluation of any relevant data on tick-borne diseases. Provides that the assessment shall be updated no less than once every 3 years, or more often as deemed necessary by both the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Health. Requires that a summary of the assessment be posted by the Department of Natural Resources on its website within 60 days of the completion of the assessment. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall thereafter install and maintain signs at all State-managed parks and outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including, but not limited to, recreational trail entryways, campgrounds, and any other location as defined and determined by the Department as necessary and based on the assessment, warning individuals that ticks may be found in the area and cause Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. Authorizes the Department to use models already in use throughout the State or in another state or any model the Department determines appropriate when determining the design for such signage. Effective immediately.