SB2426: TREE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

Legislative Summary

Amends the Forest Products Transportation Act. Changes the title of the Act to the Tree Transportation Act. Defines terms. Provides that no person may haul or transport any tree (instead of forest product) on the highways of the State without proof of ownership as required by the Department of Natural Resources by administrative rule (instead of the written consent of the timber grower or subsequent seller). Provides that any person hauling or transporting a tree or trees (instead of 2 or more trees and forest products), on any highway in this State shall be required to show proof of ownership as defined in the Act. Provides that the information required for proof of ownership shall be set by the Department by administrative rule, including information required for a person that is transporting or hauling a tree or trees that the person owns. Provides that the Department or any law enforcement agency may inspect any vehicle or conveyance hauling or transporting a tree or trees on any road or highway in the State to determine if the transportation of the tree or trees complies with the Act. Provides that, if an officer of the Department or law enforcement agency discovers any violation of the Act, he or she may issue a summons to the person operating the vehicle that is hauling or transporting the tree or trees that requires that the person appears before the circuit court for the county within which the offense was committed. Sets forth criteria for a violation of the amendatory provisions. Changes the level of misdemeanor that resisting or obstructing any officer, employee, or agent of the Department in the discharge of his or her duties under the provisions of the Act from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor. Makes conforming changes. Repeals provisions concerning the definition of certain terms. Makes conforming changes in the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act.